Atlanta, Georgia, August 28, 2025
News Summary
The FBI’s Atlanta field office is investigating a rise in hoax emergency calls across metro Atlanta and Georgia. Known as ‘swatting,’ these calls falsely report emergencies to provoke large law enforcement responses. Recent incidents include false reports of active shooters and bomb threats affecting local colleges and schools. The FBI warns that these hoaxes drain resources and pose significant risks to public safety, encouraging the public to report suspicious activities.
Atlanta, Georgia – The FBI’s Atlanta field office is investigating a surge of hoax emergency calls targeting colleges and other institutions across metro Atlanta and throughout Georgia. These incidents, known as “swatting,” involve falsely reporting emergencies to law enforcement to elicit a large police response. The FBI has confirmed a notable increase in swatting incidents nationwide and is actively collaborating with local law enforcement authorities in response to these troubling events.
In recent days, multiple hoax emergency calls have been reported throughout Georgia. Most notably, an active shooter incident reported at Central Georgia Technical College in Macon earlier this week turned out to be false, as did a bomb threat directed at Mercer University’s main campus on Wednesday. The same day, a hoax bomb threat was made against the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Hughes Spalding hospital, which ultimately proved to be unfounded.
High Point Elementary School in Sandy Springs also faced an evacuation due to a bomb threat on Thursday, which was found to be a hoax. Law enforcement had previously responded to the Richard B. Russell Federal Building in downtown Atlanta last Friday for suspicious envelopes, which contained nothing but crushed over-the-counter pills.
The FBI highlighted the significant dangers posed by hoax calls, emphasizing that such false reports drain emergency resources, incur severe costs, and threaten innocent lives. Schools in Macon experienced lockdowns three times within a week due to these fabricated threats, prompting numerous law enforcement responses.
The frequency of these false emergency calls has extended beyond Georgia, with various institutions in Arkansas, Northern Arizona University, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, and others experiencing similar incidents. Notably, many of these hoax calls contained sounds of gunfire in the background, raising further concerns regarding their authenticity and intent.
Law enforcement agencies have observed a distinct pattern that suggests these swatting calls may be linked to online sources outside the country, indicating a possible coordinated effort. Amidst this alarm, the public is urged to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement without delay.
In Fulton County, a bomb threat forced High Point Elementary School to evacuate, reinforcing the urgency of addressing this growing trend. Barrow County Schools also entered a soft lockdown following a potential swatting call that involved threats of bombs and firearms, though no credible threats were found during the investigation. The school district expressed appreciation for community cooperation during these stressful situations.
The ongoing investigation by the FBI aims to uncover potential connections among various hoax calls and highlight the severe implications of these acts on institutions and public safety. This disturbing series of events underscores the need for heightened vigilance among educational institutions nationwide, as they strive to protect their students and staff from the cognitive dissonance created by such threats.
Key Developments
- FBI investigates hoax emergency calls across Georgia.
- Recent incidents involved fabricated reports of an active shooter and bomb threats.
- Hoax calls drain resources and endanger lives.
- Similar threats reported in colleges nationwide.
- Ongoing investigation monitoring potential links.
FAQ
What are hoax emergency calls?
Hoax emergency calls refer to false reports made to law enforcement, such as claims of an active shooter or bomb threat, that aim to provoke a significant police response.
Why is the FBI involved in these investigations?
The FBI is investigating these incidents due to the increasing frequency of hoax calls, which pose a significant danger to public safety and drain law enforcement resources.
How can the public assist in these investigations?
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement immediately, which can help address and monitor potential hoax incidents.
Key Features of Hoax Emergency Calls
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of Incident | Active shooters, bomb threats |
| Impact | Drains resources, endangers lives |
| Response | Law enforcement mobilization, public lockdowns |
| Geographical Scope | Metro Atlanta, statewide Georgia, and beyond |
| Current Status | Ongoing investigations, potential for coordination among cases |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bomb Threat Declared Safe at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Bomb Threat Investigation at Hughes Spalding Hospital
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Active Shooter Hoax Calls
- Wikipedia: Swatting
- AJC: GBI and FBI Investigating Hoax Calls
- Google Search: Hoax Emergency Calls
- Atlanta News First: Barrow County Lockdown
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Terrorism
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Swatting Attempt at Nancy Grace’s Home
- Google News: Swatting Incidents Georgia
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
