A heavy police presence descended on the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) campus Friday evening after reports of an active shooter prompted a massive emergency response that was later determined to be a swatting incident.
According to the Omaha Police Department, officers and members of the Omaha Fire Department were dispatched around 5 p.m. to 6401 University Drive following a 911 call claiming that multiple victims had been shot in an ongoing active shooter situation.
Responding units quickly secured the area and conducted an extensive search of university buildings. After a thorough sweep, authorities confirmed that no victims or evidence of gunfire were found on campus.
Police later determined the report to be false and consistent with a swatting call — a deliberate hoax intended to trigger an armed law enforcement response.
“Officers responded immediately to ensure the safety of students and staff,” Omaha Police said in a brief statement. “After investigation, no threat or victims were located. The call appears to have been a false report.”
UNO officials issued alerts to students and staff urging them to shelter in place during the initial response. Once the all-clear was given, the university confirmed that campus operations could safely resume.
No injuries were reported, and classes and activities were temporarily paused as a precaution.
Authorities are now working to identify the person responsible for making the hoax call. Swatting incidents are considered serious criminal offenses, often carrying federal charges due to the danger they pose to law enforcement, emergency responders, and the public.
Police emphasized that the investigation remains active and urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Omaha Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
