College campuses across the United States are facing a surge in swatting incidents, which involve hoax calls about fake shootings and emergencies. This trend has escalated following the recent shooting death of Charlie Kirk. At least a dozen schools have been affected, prompting police to respond to these false alarms, many of which appear to be racially motivated and specifically target historically Black colleges and universities.

Virginia State University and Southern University in Louisiana are among the institutions that experienced significant disruptions due to swatting calls. At Southern University, classes have been canceled through the weekend after a swatting incident put the entire campus on high alert. Authorities emphasize that they must treat these hoax calls as real threats, especially as actual shootings have become more frequent.

The implications of swatting are serious. It not only wastes law enforcement resources but also places heavily armed officers in potentially dangerous situations on campus. This concern was underscored when a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, was shot during a response to a swatting call and required helicopter transport to a hospital.

Experts warn that swatting is a serious crime with significant legal consequences. John Cohen, a former acting undersecretary at the Department of Homeland Security, stated, "Swatting is not a benign endeavor. Law enforcement is taking it seriously…when they are identified, they are arresting them and prosecuting them."

Bob Boyce, a retired NYPD chief of detectives, noted that the motivations behind swatting can vary widely, from simple pranks to revenge or a desire for notoriety. Regardless of the intent, the penalties for those involved can be severe. Federal charges may include false information and hoaxes, which can lead to up to five years in prison and substantial fines. If an injury occurs, the interstate transmission of threats could result in up to 20 years in prison. Wire fraud also carries significant penalties, including incarceration and fines.

The FBI has acknowledged the rise in swatting incidents and is collaborating with law enforcement agencies to address the issue. In a statement, the FBI emphasized the seriousness of these threats, stating, "Knowingly providing false information to emergency service agencies about a possible threat to life drains law enforcement resources, costs thousands of dollars, and, most importantly, puts innocent people at risk."

As the number of swatting incidents continues to rise, authorities are urging vigilance and cooperation from the public to help mitigate this dangerous trend.