US EditionIowa State Police Confirm 'Several' Reports of an 'Active Shooter' Were False
Iowa State University police identified the false active shooter report as swatting, a crime now punishable by up to five years in prison under new state law.
- On August 25, 2025, Iowa State University police responded to multiple calls alleging an active shooter at the Ames campus, but these claims were later determined to be unfounded.
- The false reports originated from calls including one about a person with a rifle at Friley Hall, and appeared similar to nationwide anonymous swatting calls prompting law enforcement responses.
- Police swiftly investigated by searching locations, checking video footage, and interviewing students, faculty, and staff, then issued an 'all-clear' without sending a campus alert due to rapid hoax confirmation.
- The police chief at Iowa State University expressed frustration over the false active shooter reports, highlighting that they create unnecessary risks, but stressed the department’s commitment to thoroughly addressing such incidents.
- The incident highlights ongoing academic swatting concerns, with penalties increased since July 2024 under Iowa law, and authorities continue investigating with federal partners for connections to other swatting threats.
13 Articles
13 Articles
BREAKING: ISUPD says reports of active shooter are false
The Iowa State University Police Department is monitoring false reports of “an active shooter on campus,” according to the department. After receiving “several calls” Monday morning, officers responded and found no “credible threat.” In a press release, ISUPD said the calls may have been an instance of “swatting calls.” Swatting is a form of anonymous prank call to emergency services, and is often to draw a large police and emergency presence to…
False reports of active shooter at Iowa State University, police confirm
AMES, Iowa -- The Iowa State University Police Department said reports of an active shooter on campus in Ames Monday morning are false and appear to be the result of swatting. A news release from the department said officers responded promptly after receiving several calls and did not find a credible threat. ISU police said the calls appeared to be similar to other calls made at universities across the country. What’s new in the Des Moines …
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