A Bucks County teenager has been charged with making a false 911 call about a threat at Council Rock High School South, prompting a 34-minute lockdown and a heavy police response.
In October, the school's emergency services received a call claiming there was a crisis on campus, leading to an immediate lockdown and a massive police presence. However, authorities later determined that the threat was unfounded and students were released from school. The incident is part of a wave of swatting incidents targeting schools across the US.
Swatting is a form of cybercrime where individuals make false emergency calls to law enforcement, often claiming there is an active shooter or other threat at a school or other public place. In some cases, these hoax calls can lead to serious consequences for emergency responders and schools.
The investigation into the incident involved the Northampton Township Police Department, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office, and the FBI. The charges were filed after an investigation found that the juvenile was responsible for making the false call.
"This type of conduct is not only reckless, but it's also a serious threat to public safety," said Jennifer Schorn, the district attorney. "We will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to bring those who engage in this behavior to justice."
The incident highlights the growing concern about swatting incidents targeting schools and other institutions. In recent months, there have been several high-profile cases of swatting at US colleges and universities.
Experts say that swatting is often linked to online groups that carry out false shooter reports and bomb scares in exchange for money. The FBI has declined to comment on the alleged involvement of an online group called Purgatory in the Council Rock High School incident.
Lawmakers are also taking action to address the issue, with some proposing bills to make swatting a felony offense or to create new sentencing enhancements for those convicted of terroristic threats against schools. However, these efforts have been met with skepticism by some lawmakers, who argue that more needs to be done to address the problem.
As one lawmaker noted, "It's absurd that Pennsylvania hasn't made swatting a separate crime." The lack of clear laws and consequences for swatting has left prosecutors relying on federal authorities to pursue charges.
In October, the school's emergency services received a call claiming there was a crisis on campus, leading to an immediate lockdown and a massive police presence. However, authorities later determined that the threat was unfounded and students were released from school. The incident is part of a wave of swatting incidents targeting schools across the US.
Swatting is a form of cybercrime where individuals make false emergency calls to law enforcement, often claiming there is an active shooter or other threat at a school or other public place. In some cases, these hoax calls can lead to serious consequences for emergency responders and schools.
The investigation into the incident involved the Northampton Township Police Department, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office, and the FBI. The charges were filed after an investigation found that the juvenile was responsible for making the false call.
"This type of conduct is not only reckless, but it's also a serious threat to public safety," said Jennifer Schorn, the district attorney. "We will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to bring those who engage in this behavior to justice."
The incident highlights the growing concern about swatting incidents targeting schools and other institutions. In recent months, there have been several high-profile cases of swatting at US colleges and universities.
Experts say that swatting is often linked to online groups that carry out false shooter reports and bomb scares in exchange for money. The FBI has declined to comment on the alleged involvement of an online group called Purgatory in the Council Rock High School incident.
Lawmakers are also taking action to address the issue, with some proposing bills to make swatting a felony offense or to create new sentencing enhancements for those convicted of terroristic threats against schools. However, these efforts have been met with skepticism by some lawmakers, who argue that more needs to be done to address the problem.
As one lawmaker noted, "It's absurd that Pennsylvania hasn't made swatting a separate crime." The lack of clear laws and consequences for swatting has left prosecutors relying on federal authorities to pursue charges.
) called 911 saying ther was a crisis on campus & it led to lockdown... but its all fake! Polis got there 2 find out it was just a joke. This is part of these swatting scams thats been goin on in US schools & colleges. Like, wot r ppl even thinkin? Its so reckless & puts everyone at risk. Lawmakrs are tryna make swatting a felony but some dont think its enuf... like, come on ppl! Can't we just make it a law already? 
is crazy enough, but it's even crazier when you think about the kid who made that call 
. I mean, can't they just chill? 
It's like, what's the point of making an emergency call if you're not gonna follow through on it? 
and it's pretty wild. The FBI is involved in investigating these things, but they can't cover all bases 
. I think lawmakers should just make swatting a law already 
. It's like, we get it, the kid was reckless, now do something about it 
.
. Like, what's up with that? Can't we all just coexist peacefully? 
. We need to find a way to stop swatting for good 
.
. And don't even get me started on how this affects the real victims - the students and staff who had to go through a lockdown. They're just sitting ducks, waiting for someone else to make another stupid call.
. Making it a felony offense or adding more sentencing enhancements is about time - we can't just wait for lawmakers to figure out what needs to be done. And by the way, why not make swatting a separate crime altogether? It's a clear threat to public safety and yet these kids are still getting off scot-free 
.
this is so messed up I mean a 34 min lockdown at a school because some kid was bored or trying to get attention? it's just not right... schools should be places where kids feel safe and supported, not places of fear and anxiety.
, making fake 911 calls just for attention or cash lol . schools lockdowns is not something to joke around with, can u imagine the fear students must have had that day 
. and now theres even lawmakers trying to make swatting a felony crime, like its time already 
. anyways, glad justice is being served on this one 
? It's just not worth it, you know? The authorities are doing their best to catch these swatters, but we need more laws on the books to stop this nonsense 
come on people! making a fake 911 call about a school threat is not just reckless, it's literally life-threatening 
and for what? some kid wanting attention or a thrill? no thanks 
. law enforcement and schools have enough to deal with without these hoax calls taking up their time and resources 
. and yeah, it's crazy that swatting isn't taken more seriously as a crime... maybe if we make it clear that this kind of behavior won't be tolerated, people will think twice before pulling off a prank 
for like 34 minutes!!! can u even imagine how crazy that must be for the kids? 
but newsflash: it aint cool & its gonna cause a lot of harm. we gotta do better as a society 2 take care of each other & not play games w/ people's lives 
. making a false 911 call is just so reckless and irresponsible - can you imagine how scary it must have been for everyone involved?! 
as a parent, it's absolutely appalling that some kids would do something like this and put others in harm's way 
. I think the authorities are doing a great job of investigating this incident and making sure those responsible face consequences 
. let's hope this brings an end to swatting incidents once and for all 
.
. We need to create more accountability & consequences for those who engage in this behavior, and we need to support our schools & law enforcement in keeping everyone safe 
, and now hes gonna be charged w/ making a false 911 call? 