On Tuesday, Sacramento State officials responded to a possible swatting call that reported a potential threat on campus around 9:15 a.m., prompting safety protocols. University officials later confirmed there was no credible threat, and the investigation is ongoing.
University Statement and Investigation
In a statement, Sacramento State said it received the threat report by phone at about 9:15 a.m. and activated campus safety measures "out of an abundance of caution." University Police are investigating and coordinating with law enforcement partners to sort out what happened. Officials determined that neither a shelter-in-place order nor class cancellations were necessary, according to ABC10.
Campus Police Response
The Sacramento State Police Department is leading the inquiry and has asked anyone with information to contact its main line at (916) 278-6000. The department’s contact page notes that patrol and dispatch operate 24/7, according to the Sacramento State Police Department.
Why Swatting Is a Serious Threat
Swatting, or false emergency reports made to provoke an armed police response, can put civilians at risk and tie up critical public safety resources. Federal and state prosecutors have pursued swatting cases; for example, AP News reported that a California teen was sentenced to four years after admitting to hundreds of swatting calls. The episode at Sac State underscores why officials treat such calls as potentially serious until they are fully cleared.
How to Report Tips
Sacramento State said campus activities continued as normal while investigators followed up on leads. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sacramento State Police at (916) 278-6000, or call 911 in an emergency, per the Sacramento State Police Department.
