Athens, Georgia – Multiple universities in Georgia, including the University of Georgia (UGA), Clark Atlanta University, and the University of West Georgia, were targeted by alarming reports of armed shooters on Friday evening. Officials later confirmed that these incidents were hoaxes, prompting swift emergency responses but no real threat to campus safety.
University of Georgia Alert: Hoax Confirmed
UGA sent an emergency alert around 8:50 p.m., warning students and staff of an “armed shooter in the area of Main Library” on South Jackson Street. Approximately 40 minutes later, university authorities provided an update: “Police are on scene at Library, evidence suggests a hoax.”
Rod Guajardo, a UGA spokesperson, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that campus police acted immediately after receiving a report and investigated using security cameras and on-site evidence. By 10:40 p.m., an all-clear alert was issued. Athens-Clarke County police also assisted with the investigation.
The university condemned the incident, stating: “We strongly condemn hoax reports and swatting attempts. These false reports cause unnecessary fear and divert critical emergency resources. Making such a false report is not a harmless prank—it is a dangerous and unlawful act.”
Clark Atlanta University and University of West Georgia Reports
At Clark Atlanta University, authorities issued a shelter-in-place order as a precaution, though the alleged shooter reports were deemed inaccurate, according to local media.
Similarly, the University of West Georgia reported around 10 p.m. a “male with a gun in the area of the Ingram Library,” near The Quad and Campus Center. A follow-up alert about 30 minutes later confirmed: “No evidence of any threat was found,” allowing emergency personnel to issue an all-clear.
Broader Pattern of Threats in Georgia
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and FBI Atlanta are investigating a recent increase in unfounded threats targeting schools and universities. Lydia Bullard, a GBI spokesperson, noted that these incidents are part of a nationwide trend of “swatting,” where false emergency reports are used to disrupt institutions.
Recent incidents include:
- High Point Elementary School, Fulton County: Students relocated to Ridgeview Middle School after an emailed bomb threat; no explosives were found.
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Hughes Spalding Hospital: Received a bomb threat on Wednesday, causing Georgia State University staff and students to be notified; no threat was found.
- Mercer University, Macon: Students sheltered in place after a threatening call to Bibb County’s 911 center; law enforcement confirmed no threat.
- Central Georgia Technical College, Macon: Went on lockdown Tuesday following a 911 call about an active shooter; no threat confirmed.
Officials urge the public to take such reports seriously while emphasizing that false threats endanger lives, waste critical resources, and may result in legal consequences.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official statements from universities and law enforcement agencies. All reported incidents have been confirmed as hoaxes at the time of publication.
