PITTSBURGH — A hoax call drew a large police response to the University of Pittsburgh’s campus on Thursday.
Police responded to the Barco Law Library for a report of a possible armed person.
The caller claimed they were hiding in a closet, said someone had an AR-style rifle, and even reported hearing gunfire, sources say.
Within about 20 minutes, police determined there was no shooter and the call was not credible.
The news was a relief to Colin Frye, who owns a coffee shop directly in front of the law building and watched the police response.
“All of a sudden, the cops came in from every direction. They pretty much stopped traffic all the way down Forbes,” said Frye. “I think everyone is a little bit nervous because of that school shooting; it’s really unfortunate.”
The incident comes amid a rise in “swatting” hoaxes — just last week, at least ten universities, including Villanova, received similar calls.
Multiple students we interviewed today were relieved and said they do feel safe on Pitt’s campus, but also said they are on alert.
Officers on scene found that the report was not credible, and normal activities resumed at the building shortly afterward.
“I feel safe. I live alone, so I’m a little paranoid sometimes in general. I just keep my head on a swivel at all times,” said Pitt Nursing student Bella Single.
The FBI says they are seeing more swatting cases nationwide — and take every threat seriously, telling Channel 11 these calls drain law enforcement resources, cost thousands of dollars and most importantly, put innocent lives at risk.
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