HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — A Pennsylvania lawmaker said he will introduce legislation creating stronger penalties for swatting.
Swatting is a term used for when someone calls the police to report a crime knowing it has not actually happened, usually to harass someone or induce panic. It derives its name from the intention of getting a SWAT team to arrive at someone’s home.
Thanks for signing up!
Watch for us in your inbox.
Subscribe Now
While swatting is already prosecuted under charges such as making false reports or terroristic threats, State Rep. Craig Williams (R-Delaware/Chester) said the two separate pieces of legislation he will propose would criminalize the act itself.
One bill would make swatting a felony while the other would allow courts to order those convicted of swatting to reimburse states, municipalities and emergency responders for the full cost of their response.
“These bills reflect a simple principle: if you terrorize our community with false calls of active violence, you will be punished,” said Williams, a former federal prosecutor, in a memo to colleagues proposing the legislation.
In the memo, Williams singled out a recent incident at Villanova University.
-
People shelter behind a wall on the Villanova University campus in Villanova, Pa., on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, where an active shooter was reported. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
-
Police respond at the Villanova University campus where an active shooter was reported Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Villanova, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
-
Police gather at the Villanova University campus where an active shooter was reported Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Villanova, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
-
Police respond at the Villanova University campus where an active shooter was reported Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Villanova, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Students there were moving in on Aug. 21 when the university’s president said an orientation mass was disrupted by news of a shooter on campus. Despite there ultimately not being a real threat, multiple police departments responded to the incident. Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) also issued a statement urging people to avoid the area.
“Mercifully, no one was injured, and we now know that it was a cruel hoax — there was no active shooter, no injuries and no evidence of firearms present on campus,” said the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, president of the university, in a letter to campus after the incident. “While that is a blessing and relief, I know today’s events have shaken our entire community.”
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
