What we know about string of swatting incidents targeting colleges nationwide
What we know about string of swatting incidents targeting colleges nationwide
In just over a week, there have been at least 16 swatting hoaxes targeting colleges across the U.S. The latest alarm came at the University of Pittsburgh. Scott MacFarlane reports there is growing fear that a hoax could lead to very real danger.
Read the full article on CBS US
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article appears mostly accurate, reporting on a series of swatting incidents targeting colleges. The claim of 'at least 16' incidents is difficult to verify precisely across sources, but the general trend is confirmed. The article exhibits minimal bias, presenting the information in a straightforward manner, although the phrase 'growing fear' could be seen as slightly emotive.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: There have been at least 16 swatting hoaxes targeting colleges across the U.S. in just over a week.
- Verification Source #1: Reports that 24 colleges became victims in a string of active shooter hoaxes.
- Verification Source #2: Refers to a 'string of hoaxes' targeting college campuses nationwide.
- Verification Source #5: States that West Virginia University was the target of a 'swatting' incident, like many other higher education institutions across the country.
- Assessment: Mostly supported. While the exact number of 16 is not directly confirmed by all sources, the general claim of a series of swatting incidents targeting colleges is supported by multiple sources. The number 'at least 16' may be accurate at the time of the report, but the other sources do not provide specific counts.
- Claim: The latest alarm came at the University of Pittsburgh.
- Assessment: Unverified. None of the provided sources specifically confirm that the University of Pittsburgh was the 'latest' incident. This may be accurate at the time of the report, but cannot be verified with the provided sources.
- Claim: A hoax could lead to very real danger.
- Assessment: Supported by general knowledge. Swatting incidents can cause significant distress, panic, and potential for physical harm due to the heavy police response. This is a generally accepted consequence of swatting.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 1: '24 became the latest victims in a string of active shooter hoaxes called swatting incidents, prompting lockdowns and chaos on campuses'
- Source 2: 'Colorado University-Boulder police labeled their incident the “latest target in a string of hoaxes,” publicly tying it to the broader national'
- Source 5: 'Like many other higher education institutions across the country, we believe West Virginia University was the target of a 'swatting' incident'