(U)Multiple Universities Affected by Hoax Swatting Calls
(U//FOUO) OK2SAY and the MIOC are aware that since August 18, 2025, there have been multiple hoax swatting reports at universities throughout the United States. Open Source reporting indicated that law enforcement at universities in Arkansas, Arizona, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Tennessee among others have responded to reports of an active shooter on campus. Initial analysis indicates that a Google Voice number was used to report active shooter incidents directed at libraries on campus. In some instances, calls were made to non-emergency lines with sounds of gunshots heard in the background. As of August 25, 2025, law enforcement and university officials reported the incidents appeared to be hoaxes.
(U) Currently, neither OK2SAY nor the MIOC are aware of any reported threats to any educational facilities in Michigan at either the K-12 level or at any higher educational institution. While neither OK2SAY nor the MIOC are aware of any specific or credible threats to educational facilities in Michigan, with the school year starting in the coming weeks, OK2SAY and the MIOC assess that similar incidents could occur due to media attention inspiring copycat behavior.
(U) If your jurisdiction is impacted by this type of activity, it is recommended:
•Respond as you deem appropriate
•Obtain a recording of the call if possible
•Obtain the CAD sheet or call detail records that show the telephone number used
(U//FOUO) On Thursday, August 28 via Microsoft Teams, FBI Boston and Massachusetts State Police will host three virtual training sessions on Responding to and Investigating Bomb Threats and Swatting Hoaxes for public safety dispatchers, law enforcement personnel, school administrators and decision makers. The sessions will take place at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. (EST). A link will be e-mailed the morning of the training. Partners are asked to share this information with your K-12 and higher education partners.
Registration Link: Click to register for August 28
(U)Prior Similar Incidents
(U//FOUO) Education institutions in Michigan at both the K-12 levels and higher education have previously fallen victim to false threats to specific buildings and schools. A nationwide campaign of false threats to schools targeted Michigan in 2023, with multiple schools being the subject of active shooter threats that prompted significant law enforcement events. These swatting calls were determined to be part of a coordinated campaign targeting K-12 education facilities nationwide.
(U)ADMINISTRATIVE NOTE
(U) This product was prepared by the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center (MIOC). Organizations seeking additional information should contact the MIOC by phone at 517-241-8000, by fax 517-284-3267, or by e-mail at
MIOC@michigan.gov.
(U) The Detroit & Southeast Michigan Information & Intelligence Center (DSEMIIC) operates as a node to the MIOC. The DSEMIIC’s area of responsibility includes the city of Detroit and the counties of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe,
Washtenaw, and St. Clair.
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