Swatting incidents prompt lockdowns at campuses and hospitals in Southern California

In recent days, Southern California has witnessed a troubling rise in swatting calls, leading to lockdowns across various locations. On March 13, 2025, Claremont McKenna College experienced a lockdown triggered by a call to 911, claiming there was a bomb on campus and threatening violence against anyone present. Students and faculty were instructed to shelter in place, with many taking refuge in Scripps College and the dining hall where they could not see outside. Fortunately, the Claremont Police Department, upon arriving at the scene, determined that the call was a false alarm, later identified as a swatting incident. This situation further emphasized the urgency of the matter when the day prior, Loma Linda Children's Hospital faced a similar threat. Reports indicated an individual claiming to possess both a rifle and a bomb, which prompted law enforcement to conduct an extensive two-hour search of the premises. The investigation concluded that this, too, was a swatting call. These unnecessary disruptions divert critical resources away from genuine emergencies, as noted by Gloria Orejel, a Public Information Officer with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. With these events unfolding, officials warn that the impact of these prank calls extends beyond the immediate scenes, as vital police resources are occupied, potentially delaying assistance for residents facing actual emergencies. The Claremont McKenna College event particularly distressed staff and students, highlighting the overall fear and confusion associated with such incidents, as Stella Dean, an event coordinator at the college, voiced her concerns about the seriousness of these threats. Authorities have yet to identify any suspects in connection with these swatting incidents, but investigations are ongoing to determine any connecting patterns between them. As awareness grows, local law enforcement agencies are taking measures to prevent future incidents, underscoring the significant repercussions swatting calls can impose on communities.