Sandy Springs, Georgia, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Authorities in Sandy Springs, Georgia, are investigating a series of hoax threats made against local hospitals, including Northside Hospital and Emory Hospital. The incidents began with a swatting call about an active shooter, which was found to be false. Subsequently, bomb threats were received at Emory locations, leading to significant police responses. Investigations are ongoing as similar hoaxes recently occurred at universities in the area, prompting local and federal agencies to collaborate for public safety.
Sandy Springs, Georgia — Police are investigating a series of hoax threats at local hospitals that occurred on Friday night. The incidents began shortly after 8 p.m. when Northside Hospital received a swatting call indicating an active shooter on the premises. Authorities swiftly responded, and subsequent investigations revealed the report was false.
Shortly thereafter, both Emory Hospital and Emory Hospital Midtown received bomb threats, which also turned out to be unsubstantiated. Although no credible threats were found, a heavy police presence surrounding both Emory locations caused blocked entrances and heightened anxiety among staff and visitors.
These hoax threats come just one week after a series of active shooter hoaxes forced lockdowns at several universities, including the University of Georgia, West Georgia College, and Clark Atlanta University. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) are currently working to discern the origin of the recent wave of hoaxes targeting educational institutions.
On Friday evening, Sandy Springs Police were notified of the threat to Northside Hospital around 8:15 p.m. Officers conducted a thorough search of the facility and confirmed shortly after that the call was a hoax, issuing an “all-clear” shortly thereafter.
The FBI has noted an increase in swatting incidents across the United States, which pose a significant strain on law enforcement resources and elevate risks to public safety. Other institutions in Georgia have also faced similar false threats, including Central Georgia Technical College and Mercer University, which were determined to be hoaxes.
Authorities are calling on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as investigations continue. Law enforcement officials stress the seriousness of these incidents, as they divert crucial resources and can lead to chaos in public settings. A collaborative effort between local police and federal agencies is underway to address the ongoing situation and prevent further hoaxes.
These incidents highlight a disturbing trend of false reports that can lead to escalated police responses, endanger lives, and create widespread panic. Community members are encouraged to exercise caution and stay informed about the potential risks associated with such threats.
As investigations proceed, both the Sandy Springs and Atlanta police continue to patrol the areas around hospitals and educational institutions to reassure the public about their safety.
FAQ Section
What happened in the Atlanta area hospitals?
Multiple hoax threats were received at local hospitals including Northside Hospital and Emory Hospital, prompting heavy police responses.
When did these events take place?
The events occurred on Friday night, shortly after 8 p.m.
Were any credible threats found?
No credible threats were found at any of the involved hospital locations.
Have similar incidents occurred recently?
Yes, similar hoax active shooter threats forced lockdowns at several universities in Georgia just a week prior to these hospital incidents.
Which agencies are involved in the investigation?
The FBI and GBI are investigating the recent series of hoax calls targeting Georgia institutions.
What should the public do in light of these threats?
Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Key Features of Recent Events
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday night, shortly after 8 p.m. |
| Locations Involved | Northside Hospital, Emory Hospital, Emory Hospital Midtown |
| Types of Threats | Active shooter and bomb hoax threats |
| Outcome | No credible threats found; police issued ‘all-clear’ |
| Agencies Investigating | FBI and GBI |
| Call to Public | Report any suspicious activity |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Swatting Incidents Cause Alarm at Georgia Universities
False Active Shooter Reports at Clark Atlanta University
Additional Resources
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Police Investigate Hospital Hoaxes
- Wikipedia: Swatting
- 11Alive: Hospitals Unfounded Bomb Threat
- Google Search: Hoax Threats in Hospitals
- Atlanta News First: FBI Investigates Hoax Threats
- Google Scholar: Police Response to Hoax Threats
- Rough Draft Atlanta: High Point Bomb Threat Evacuation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bomb Threat
- Georgia Recorder: Georgia Lawmakers Security Measures
- Google News: Recent Hoax Threats in 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.
