Active Shooter Hoaxes Rattle Students at Three Georgia Universities in One Night
ATLANTA, Ga. — A wave of false active shooter threats disrupted three Georgia universities Friday night, leaving students shaken and police departments scrambling to respond.
The University of Georgia, University of West Georgia, and Clark Atlanta University all received emergency alerts about possible gunmen near campus libraries. Authorities later confirmed each incident was the result of swatting calls, hoaxes designed to trigger large-scale law enforcement responses.
Clark Atlanta University Lockdown
At Clark Atlanta University, students were ordered to shelter in place just before 9 p.m. after a caller reported a shooter near the Robert W. Woodruff Library. Atlanta police rushed to the scene, noting that the caller even played gunshot sounds in the background to make the threat more convincing.
The lockdown lasted more than two hours before investigators determined the threat was false.
Student Ayanna Jenkins described the experience as terrifying. “I was very startled. It scared me. The fake accusations and the fake phone calls … it’s not good, it’s immature, it’s nasty, it shows their character, whoever did it.”
Similar Incidents at UGA and West Georgia
Just hours later, false reports of armed individuals near libraries also rattled the University of Georgia in Athens and the University of West Georgia in Carrollton. Both campuses initiated immediate safety protocols before police confirmed there was no danger.
“That’s not really something to joke about with all sorts of situations that have been happening over the past 20 years in the United States,” said Sofia Springel, a UGA student.
FBI Investigating Nationwide Pattern
The FBI’s Atlanta Field Office has opened an investigation, noting that a growing series of swatting calls have targeted schools nationwide in recent months. Officials warn that such hoaxes drain law enforcement resources, cost thousands of dollars, and put lives at risk.
Clark Atlanta student Miracle Harrison expressed frustration over the climate of fear the hoaxes create. “This is a private university, but it’s a public world, and it’s a scary world at that,” she said.
Student Concerns Continue
While no one was physically harmed, the emotional toll remains significant. Many students said the incidents left them rattled so early in the school year, raising questions about campus safety and the long-term effects of repeated false alarms.
Authorities say those responsible could face severe charges if caught.
How do you think universities should prepare students for both real and false active shooter threats? Share your thoughts at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
