Atlanta, GA, September 5, 2025
News Summary
A series of swatting incidents at three Georgia universities led to emergency responses after active shooter threats were reported. Clark Atlanta University, the University of Georgia, and the University of West Georgia were all affected by these false alarms, which also included a hoax call to Northside Hospital. The FBI is investigating these hoaxes, which have been labeled a disruptive epidemic targeting educational institutions nationwide, instilling fear among students and straining law enforcement resources.
Atlanta, GA – A series of swatting incidents targeting three universities in Georgia prompted significant emergency responses on the night of Friday, September 22. The managed situation involved active shooter threats reported at Clark Atlanta University, the University of Georgia, and the University of West Georgia, all of which were later confirmed to be hoaxes.
The Sandy Springs Police Department (SSPD) confirmed that an active assailant call received at Northside Hospital in Atlanta around 8:15 p.m. was also a swatting incident. Officers quickly evacuated the hospital and determined that there was no active threat. Following the initial call, three Georgia universities began receiving similar reports.
Clark Atlanta University sent out an emergency alert shortly before 9 p.m. informing students of a potential shooter near the Robert W. Woodruff Library. During this time, the Atlanta police issued a shelter-in-place order while searching the vicinity. This order was lifted around 11:15 p.m. after confirming that no threat existed on campus. It was noted that the swatting call to Clark Atlanta included background sounds of gunshots to incite fear among the students.
Students at the university expressed heightened feelings of fear and anxiety, particularly at the beginning of the school year. Similar incidents at the University of Georgia in Athens and the University of West Georgia in Carrollton reported threats involving armed individuals near campus libraries, all of which were ultimately determined to be false alarms.
The FBI Atlanta Field Office is currently investigating these numerous hoax active shooter calls that have been targeting schools across the nation. These types of incidents place undue strain on law enforcement resources and pose significant risks to the safety of the public and emergency responders. The recent incidents at the Georgia universities paralleled similar hoaxes reported at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and various institutions in Pennsylvania and Texas.
University officials indicated that the details of these false reports shared characteristics with other swatting events occurring nationwide this month. Experts in the field have characterized swatting hoaxes as an evolving epidemic, designed to intimidate victims and disrupt critical emergency responses as law enforcement is forced to mobilize significant resources in response to these situations.
In response to this alarming trend, law enforcement agencies are coordinating their efforts to combat these swatting incidents effectively. They acknowledge the strain such events place on their resources and the potential dangers they introduce to public safety.
Overview of Incidents
| University | Time of Alert | Type of Incident | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clark Atlanta University | Approx. 9:00 p.m. | Active Shooter Threat | False Alarm |
| University of Georgia | Same Night | Active Shooter Threat | False Alarm |
| University of West Georgia | Same Night | Active Shooter Threat | False Alarm |
| Northside Hospital | 8:15 p.m. | Active Assailant | False Alarm |
FAQ
What is swatting?
Swatting is a criminal prank involving a false report of an emergency, typically an active shooter situation, prompting a substantial emergency response.
How do swatting incidents affect law enforcement?
Swatting incidents strain law enforcement resources, diverting them from real emergencies and posing risks to public safety due to the mobilization of significant forces in response to falsified threats.
What actions are being taken to address this trend?
Law enforcement agencies are collaborating to combat swatting incidents, focusing on tracking and investigating these hoaxes that are affecting educational institutions nationwide.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Active Shooter Report at Clark Atlanta University Declared a Hoax
False Active Shooter Reports at Clark Atlanta University
False Active Shooter Reports Lead to Shelter-in-Place at Clark Atlanta University
FBI Investigates Surge of Hoax Emergency Calls in Georgia
Bomb Threat Declared Safe at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Bomb Threat Investigation at Hughes Spalding Hospital
Woman Arrested in Fatal Atlanta Hit-and-Run Incident
Fulton County Police Involved in Dual Shootings in Atlanta
Fulton County Police Shooting in Adamsville Leaves One Dead
Atlanta Police Investigate Swatting Incident Targeting Local Home
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Active Assailant Call at Northside Hospital
- 11Alive: Unfounded Bomb Threats and Swatting Calls
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Students Shaken After Swatting Calls at Universities
- WRBL: FBI Atlanta Statement on Swatting Incidents
- Axios: Man Pleads Guilty to Swatting
- Wikipedia: Swatting
- Google Search: Swatting
- Google Scholar: Swatting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Swatting
- Google News: Swatting Incidents 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.
