A false report of an active shooter at the University of Arkansas caused chaos and a large-scale law enforcement response on Monday afternoon. The alarming incident triggered the RazALERT emergency system, sending warnings to students, faculty, and staff about a potential threat on campus.
20 Killed in Gaza Hospital Strikes: Netanyahu Calls It a ‘Tragic Mishap’
How the Incident Unfolded
Initial Reports of Shots Fired
According to University of Arkansas Assistant Police Chief Matt Mills, the first emergency calls came in around 12 p.m., claiming shots had been fired inside Mullins Library and several other campus buildings.
“We received a total of 308 landline phone calls and 38 911 calls covering seven different buildings,” Mills said.
Police Response and Building Searches
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including Springdale PD and state police, joined the University of Arkansas Police Department (UAPD) to secure the campus. After an extensive search, officers confirmed no shots were fired and no injuries were reported.
Mills stated,
“It appears this was another swatting or hoax call.”
Linked to a National Trend of Hoax Threats
This incident is part of a growing national trend of false active shooter reports, commonly referred to as “swatting.” Authorities reported six similar hoaxes at U.S. universities in August alone, raising concerns about campus safety and emergency preparedness.
Expert Advice on Active Shooter Preparedness
Monty Mills, an active shooter training expert with Safe Haven Security Group LLC, stressed the importance of preparedness:
“The best reaction you can have is prior training. You do that to save one life, one casualty, even if it may seem a little over the top for some.”
Investigation Underway and Classes Canceled
The University of Arkansas Police Department is investigating the origin of the hoax and has confirmed that charges may be filed against those responsible. All campus buildings were cleared by 2:45 p.m., and classes were canceled for the rest of the day as a precaution.
Conclusion
The University of Arkansas active shooter hoax highlights the seriousness of swatting incidents and their impact on public safety. While no one was harmed, the massive response underscores the need for vigilance and training in emergency situations. Authorities are working to track down those responsible and prevent similar incidents in the future.