J. A. Wales. “The Philadelphia Physician-Factory,” Puck, April 14, 1880. History

An historic hoax in Philadelphia academia Michael Thomas Leibrandt September 25, 2025 September 24, 2025

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Long before modern technology availed itself of sinister online aspects that allowed for chilling hoaxes like what was perpetrated during new student orientation at Villanova University, Philadelphia knew the true nature of a hoax.

This month, investigators identified who they believe is the group behind two false reports of an active shooter on Villanova’s campus as originating from the online group “Purgatory,” which is part of a threat network on the web called “The Com.” Threats were also made at Bucknell Un

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