Nearly a dozen school shooting hoaxes shook US campuses in late August, carried out through “swatting calls—” the intentional reporting of a fictitious emergency to trigger a response from law enforcement. According to an ISD report, highlighted by ABC News, one group may be behind the incidents.

ISD analysts stated that “Purgatory,” a known swatting group, “very likely made the false emergency calls to at least 10 US universities between Aug. 21 and Aug. 25. […] These calls resulted in lockdowns, panic and significant disruptions to campus operations.” 

Experts emphasize that swatting is a serious crime with severe penalties, including potential federal charges that can result in substantial fines and prison time. The FBI is actively investigating these events and working with local law enforcement to identify and prosecute those responsible.

The full article is available on ABC News.