SAN ANTONIO — The Southwest Texas Fusion Center says the number of "swatting calls" in the San Antonio area has increased this year.
A swatting call is a fake or hoax call to emergency services designed to get a response from the SWAT team (hence the name swatting).
In 2022, there were three swatting calls in the San Antonio area, the Southwest Texas Fusion Center said. This year, there have been seven swatting calls so far. Since the start of the school year, the organization says it has responded to 67 school incidents, including threats of violence and bomb threats.
The number of fake threats and swatting calls is rising across the county.
According to the nonprofit Educators School Safety Network, nearly 64% of violent calls made at K-12 schools last year were fake reports.
Just a few weeks ago, East Central ISD dealt with swatting calls which prompted the evacuation of East Central High School and fear and concern from panicked parents. No one was hurt and the superintendent says the case is still under investigation.
The superintendent recently gave an update on the case as well as provided school safety information to students and families. Click here for that full update.
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members.