Hoag Hospital Active Shooter Report Revealed as Dangerous Swatting Hoax

Police responded to a reported active shooter at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. The incident occurred on a Monday evening, prompting a massive emergency response. Authorities have since confirmed the call was a false alarm.

It was a deliberate and dangerous “swatting” incident. Such hoaxes aim to provoke a large-scale police deployment, creating chaos and fear within a community.

Law Enforcement Confirms No Real Threat

The Newport Beach Police Department dispatched officers immediately. They conducted a thorough search of the entire hospital facility. According to the NBPD, no evidence of a shooter was found.

This was the second local hospital targeted by a similar fake call that evening. Police have not released the name of the other facility. Officials stated there is no current threat to the hospital or the wider community.

The Disturbing Rise of Swatting Incidents

Swatting is a malicious act with potentially deadly consequences. The Department of Homeland Security defines it as placing false emergency calls to report a severe, ongoing crisis. The goal is to trigger a significant, armed law enforcement response.

These calls are illegal, dangerous, and highly disruptive. They drain public safety resources and can cause panic. In one tragic 2018 case, a swatting call resulted in the death of an unarmed Kansas man.

This Hoag Hospital incident underscores the serious legal and societal dangers of swatting hoaxes. Law enforcement agencies are prioritizing the investigation and prosecution of these false reports to the fullest extent of the law.

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What exactly is swatting?

Swatting is a malicious hoax. It involves making a false emergency call to report a severe, non-existent crisis. The intent is to trigger a massive, often armed, police response to a specific location.

Was anyone hurt during the Hoag Hospital response?

Authorities confirmed no one was injured. The Newport Beach Police determined there was no real threat after a complete search of the premises. The event was declared a swatting incident.

Are there penalties for making a swatting call?

Yes, swatting is a serious crime. Perpetrators face severe legal consequences, including potential felony charges. A man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for a 2018 swatting call that led to a death.

Have other hospitals experienced similar swatting?

Yes, this is a recurring problem. Just months ago, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital was locked down due to a similar hoax. Another local hospital received a fake call on the same evening as the Hoag incident.

Why do people make swatting calls?

The motives are typically malicious. Callers aim to create chaos, instill fear, and waste law enforcement resources. The act is considered a severe form of harassment and terrorism.

Trusted Sources: KTLA, Newport Beach Police Department, Department of Homeland Security