The report of an active shooter at Villanova University on Thursday afternoon was determined to be a “cruel hoax,” according to university officials.
The incident unfolded around 4:30 p.m. when the campus community received an emergency notification: “ACTIVE SHOOTER on VU campus. Move to secure location. Lock/barricade doors. More info to follow,” reports NBC Philadelphia. This message set off a series of events that would bring hundreds of law enforcement officers to the campus, responding to what was later revealed as a swatting incident.
How the Villanova University Swatting Incident Unfolded
The initial call was followed by several calls to emergency services, with some featuring gunshot-like sounds in the background. As tensions escalated, a call was received at 5:06 p.m. reporting that an individual had been struck by gunfire.
Related Article: Swatting Call Prompts Large Police Response at Southern California Hospital
However, subsequent investigations found no evidence to support these claims. Law enforcement personnel conducted an exhaustive search, securing the campus room by room before confirming the absence of any threat.
The shelter-in-place orders were lifted at approximately 6:32 p.m.
Rev. Peter M. Donohue, President of Villanova University, addressed the campus in a letter, stating, “Mercifully, no one was injured, and we now know that it was a cruel hoax — there was no active shooter, no injuries and no evidence of firearms present on campus. While that is a blessing and relief, I know today’s events have shaken our entire community.”
Ongoing Investigations and Implications
The Delaware County Communications and Public Affairs Office has categorized the incident as a swatting attempt — a tactic where false threats are reported to emergency responders to provoke a large-scale law enforcement response.
Related Article: School Swatting Threats: How Common Are They and What Do They Cost Taxpayers?
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer stated, “If this was indeed a cruel hoax, this is a crime, and we will track you down if it’s the last thing we do,” reports 6ABC.
Both his office and the FBI are actively investigating the incident.
Swatting poses significant challenges, not only diverting essential resources but also creating genuine hazards.
After the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, a Florida police officer accidentally shot himself while responding to a false report. Similarly, during the 2019 STEM School Highlands Ranch incident, a security officer inadvertently shot a student while aiming at a police officer.
These examples highlight the potential for tragedy even in the absence of an actual threat.
