Updated on: March 12, 2025 / 10:28 PM PDT / KCAL News
In a troubling incident on Wednesday night, an apparent “swatting call” prompted a major police response at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Staff and visitors were instructed to shelter in place following fears of an active shooter at the facility.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department later confirmed on social media, saying, ‘Loma Linda Hospital has been cleared. There are no reported injuries, and the incident appears to be a swatting call.’ This development brought relief to many who were frightened during the lockdown.
“Swatting” refers to the act of falsely reporting an emergency, often involving claims of an active shooter or hostage situation, with the intent of provoking a significant law enforcement response, including SWAT teams. According to the National 911 Program, such calls are not only harmful but can have serious repercussions for the individuals making them.
Research indicates that motives for these calls can range from pranks to retaliation against a perceived grievance. In some cases, individuals might face misdemeanor or felony charges based on the severity of the false report, as outlined in the California Penal Code. Recently, 18-year-old Alan W. Filion received a four-year prison sentence for making over 375 swatting and threat calls.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus commented that investigators have some leads on the suspect involved in this incident but did not provide further details at this time. He stated, ‘The one thing I want this suspect to know is this is the wrong county to do those things in. As you can see the response of our allies tonight, we don’t play. If there is evidence and we can find you, you better watch your door because we’re going to be kicking it.’
The situation unfolded shortly after university officials warned about a potential armed individual in the pediatric emergency department around 6:16 PM. Dr. Michelle Pauliah, a resident physician, recalled her experience during the chaos. ‘Just a few minutes after I left the pediatric emergency department, I just got word from my co-residents that they heard there was an active shooter in the emergency department,’ she said. ‘They’re actually hiding down under the tables. Quite a few of our residents said they have barricaded the doors.’
This incident serves as a reminder of the serious implications of swatting and the substantial resources that law enforcement allocates in response to such false alarms. Public safety remains a priority, and authorities continue to urge community members to report genuine concerns rather than engage in harmful pranks.
