Wave of Hoax Calls About Active Shooters Hits College Campuses Across the US
A recent surge in hoax calls about active shooters on college campuses has sparked widespread fear and disruption, prompting universities to issue campus-wide alerts and lockdowns. The calls, which have been reported at over 11 colleges, have featured gunshots sounding in the background, further exacerbating the sense of panic. According to law enforcement officials, the threats have been deemed hoaxes, but not before causing significant distress and disruption to students, faculty, and staff.
The University of Arkansas was one of the latest institutions to be targeted, with a hoax call prompting the cancellation of classes for the day. “It’s looking as if this was another swatting or hoax call,” said University of Arkansas Police Department Assistant Chief Matt Mills. The FBI has announced that it is working with law enforcement agencies to investigate the series of hoax calls, which have been reported across the country, from Arkansas to Pennsylvania.
Emotional Toll on Students and Staff
The hoax calls have taken a significant emotional toll on students and staff, with many experiencing fear, anxiety, and disruption to their daily lives. Miceala Morano, a 21-year-old senior journalism major at the University of Arkansas, hid behind a green screen in the broadcast room and called her grandmother as officers outside donned bulletproof vests. “As of right now, I’m safe. I love you,” said Morano, who was raised on active shooter drills. The incident has left her and many others wondering about the frequency and impact of such events in the future.
Expert Concerns and FBI Investigation
Security experts have expressed concerns that the hoax calls may create complacency among students and staff, making them less likely to take future threats seriously. “It does make me worry that people will be inclined to think it’s a false alarm,” said Mya Norman, a chemistry instructor at Arkansas. The FBI has announced that it is working with law enforcement agencies to investigate the series of hoax calls, which have been reported across the country. The agency has stressed that the threats put “innocent people at risk” and sap law enforcement resources.
For more information on this developing story, please visit Here
Image Source: www.twincities.com
