The University of Georgia said that Friday night reports of an armed shooter near its main library turned out to be false.
UGA officials said the initial “hoax” report just before 9 p.m. shared similar characteristics with other swatting incidents occurring nationwide. UGA police responded to the scene and determined there was no threat to the public upon further investigation. An all-clear update was issued to the campus at 10:40 p.m.
The report also caused a delay for the Jefferson High School -Clarke Central High School football game in Athens.
Similar false reports were also reported at Clark Atlanta University and the University of West Georgia. Reports at both schools were also determined to be inaccurate.
“We strongly condemn hoax reports and swatting attempts,” UGA said in a statement Saturday. “These false reports cause unnecessary fear and divert critical emergency resources. Making such a false report is not a harmless prank—it is a dangerous and unlawful act.”
The university said it will continue to investigate the incident in cooperation with state and federal law enforcement. School officials urged anyone with information about the false report to contact UGA police at 706-542-5813.
