Supplemental Info:

Incidents reported in CA, TX, GA, TN, KY, PA, and VA.

Many false incident reports are linked to a group called Purgatory, which offers customers a range of services, including swatting calls, for a small fee. According to a report by Wired Magazine, the group has been linked to 764, a nihilistic subgroup of the extremist network 'The Com' that conducts targeted campaigns against children using extortion, doxing, swatting, and harassment.

Learn more:
https://www.wired.com/story/purgatory-gores-swatting-us-universities/

Actions for Parents:

• The primary recommendation for parents and families is to try to remain calm. Seek accurate information from official sources. During a crisis, parents' actions can unintentionally create more danger for themselves, students, and staff on campus.

• Do not call your child repeatedly. Texting is often the safest and most reliable way to communicate. Remind your child to remain as quiet and still as possible.

• Text your child to stay silent. Your child is likely to be panicked. A calm, short, clear text message can reinforce their training and remind them to stay quiet and hidden.

• Prepare for slow reunification. A systematic process must be followed to confirm the identity of each child and parent. Be patient, as this can take time.

• Monitor your children for signs of trauma. After the incident, children may struggle with anxiety or fear. Watch for changes in behavior and consider seeking professional help for your family to cope with the long-term effects.

• Reassure your children of their safety. It's natural to want to promise a child that a school shooting will never happen to them, but this is a promise you can't guarantee. Instead, reassure them that they are loved and that adults are working to keep them safe.