Penn College of Technology Responds to Swatting Incident The Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT) confirmed it was the target of a swatting call early Tuesday, March 23, prompting a swift emergency response from law enforcement. Around 8:30 a.m., authorities received a report alleging an active shooter was present in the campus’ Keystone Dining Hall. Multiple police units arrived on scene and conducted a thorough search of the campus, including the Workforce Development building, where students had taken shelter. According to officials, no actual threat was found, and the situation was later determined to be a prank call. PCT officials issued a statement clarifying the incident: “The College police and emergency personnel responded quickly. We immediately locked down campus and sheltered in place. No threats were found and additional campus areas were cleared. The 911 recording is thoroughly being investigated. It was confirmed that our campus was victim to a ‘swatting’ or prank call. Once confirmed, the shelter-in-place order was lifted. Classes were canceled for the day; campus remains open.” The statement also thanked emergency responders for their prompt action and acknowledged the community’s cooperation. The incident highlights a growing trend of hoax calls targeting educational institutions in the region. Law enforcement agencies, including Williamsport police, are investigating a recent social media post that allegedly threatened violence. The Pennsylvania Attorney General noted a statewide increase in such incidents, attributing the rise to the widespread sharing and reporting of false threats on social media platforms. This is not the first time a similar event has occurred at a local college.#social_media #pennsylvania_college_of_technology #williamsport_police #pennsylvania_attorney_general #bucknell_university
Swatting incident triggers temporary lockdown at Pennsylvania College of Technology; classes canceled Students and staff at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport were placed on lockdown Monday morning after a false report of an active shooter in the Keystone Dining Hall. The campus was ordered to shelter in place following the call, but the situation was quickly resolved as officials confirmed the incident was a prank, commonly referred to as "swatting." The college received the alarming call around 8:40 a.m., prompting immediate action. Campus authorities issued a "shelter in place" directive, but within 20 minutes, no threats were found, and all areas were cleared. Emergency responders, including local police, were dispatched to the scene to ensure safety. A 911 recording from the incident is currently under investigation to determine the origin of the false report. Officials emphasized that the swatting call led to the temporary lockdown, though no harm was caused. The college administration stated that the safety of the community remains their top priority, and they thanked emergency personnel for their swift response. As a result of the incident, classes were canceled for the day, though the campus remained open. A statement from the college highlighted the importance of cooperation during such events, noting that the lockdown was a precautionary measure to protect students and staff. State police officials confirmed they are aware of the situation and will provide further updates as information becomes available. The incident is still under review, and additional details are expected to be released in the coming hours. This event underscores the potential risks of prank calls and the importance of maintaining security protocols on college campuses.#emergency_responders #pennsylvania_college_of_technology #williamsport #keystone_dining_hall #state_police
Shelter-in-place order briefly issued at Penn College of Technology; no threat found Students and staff at Pennsylvania College of Technology were briefly instructed to shelter in place on Monday morning before officials concluded there was no active threat. The initial alert, issued around 8:40 a.m., directed individuals on campus to remain indoors until further notice. Less than 20 minutes later, at approximately 8:59 a.m., the shelter-in-place order was lifted. The college stated there was no ongoing danger, though the incident prompted the cancellation of classes for the day. Officials have not yet provided detailed information about the circumstances leading to the alert, but they have promised to release more updates as the situation develops. Pennsylvania State Police confirmed they are aware of the incident and are expected to provide additional details. The department has not disclosed whether any specific threat was identified or if the alert was triggered by a credible concern. The college’s decision to cancel classes reflects a precautionary measure, even though no immediate danger was confirmed. The incident highlights the protocols in place for campus safety, ensuring that students and staff are protected in the event of potential threats. The college’s communication emphasized the importance of following safety guidelines during such alerts, even if the situation is resolved quickly. While the exact cause of the shelter-in-place order remains unclear, the swift resolution underscores the effectiveness of emergency response procedures. The school’s administration has assured the community that further information will be shared once available, maintaining transparency with stakeholders.#pennsylvania_state_police #pennsylvania_college_of_technology #shelter_in_place_order #campus_safety #emergency_response
