Active shooter hoaxes hit colleges nationwide, says Education Secretary McMahon

College campuses nationwide are facing “swatting” incidents – intentional, false claims of emergencies, according to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.

“These threats are not just disruptive – they are dangerous,” McMahon said on X Friday. “Each one forces students, faculty, and law enforcement into emergency response mode, diverting critical resources and putting lives at risk, all for a malicious hoax.”

McMahon said such acts are “intended to spread fear and disrupt campus life,” and “must not go unanswered.”

Yesterday, The University of Iowa locked down parts of campus as police investigated a “concerning email.”

University of Iowa Police concluded no credible threat existed and indicated the email may be connected to a rash of other incidents nationwide.

Other campuses have issued full lockdowns, sending campuswide alerts to “run, hide, fight,” KCRG reports.

More than a dozen colleges have reported incidents of false alarm since August, according to CNN.

“The Department is closely monitoring these incidents and is in direct contact with campus leaders to offer immediate support…” McMahon also posted on X. “We are working with federal and state partners to ensure those responsible are swiftly identified and held fully accountable.”