OMAHA, NE — On Friday evening, October 3, 2025, Omaha Police responded to an urgent call regarding an active shooter situation at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO). The heavily armed response from law enforcement turned out to be in response to a false report, later identified as a swatting hoax designed to provoke a large-scale emergency response. No victims were found, and the situation was cleared without any injuries.

False Report Sparks Emergency Response

Around 5 p.m., the Omaha Police Department (OPD) and Omaha Fire Department (OFD) received a 911 call reporting an active shooter at 6401 University Drive, located on UNO’s campus. The call claimed that multiple victims had been shot, triggering an immediate and massive response from local emergency services.

OPD units, along with firefighters, quickly descended on the area, securing the campus and initiating a thorough search of all buildings. Despite the extensive effort, no signs of gunfire or victims were found inside the campus.

Swatting Incident Confirmed

Following a detailed investigation, law enforcement officials confirmed that the report was a false alarm, consistent with a swatting incident — a deliberate hoax designed to create chaos and provoke a large police presence. In a statement, OPD clarified, “After investigation, no threat or victims were located. The call appears to have been a false report.”

UNO’s Response to the False Alarm

As soon as the report of an active shooter surfaced, UNO officials issued shelter-in-place orders for students and staff, urging them to stay inside and remain alert while authorities conducted their investigation.

Once the search was complete and the campus was cleared, the university issued an all-clear notice, confirming that the campus could safely resume normal operations. While classes and campus activities were temporarily paused as a safety precaution, no injuries were reported, and the situation was resolved without further incident.

Swatting: A Serious Crime

Swatting, the act of making a false emergency call to prompt a heavy law enforcement response, has been growing in prevalence, with increasingly severe consequences. These hoaxes endanger both the public and emergency responders who are dispatched to what they believe are life-threatening situations.

Authorities in Omaha are now focused on identifying the individual(s) responsible for this dangerous hoax. Swatting incidents can result in criminal charges, including federal charges, due to the serious nature of the offense.

Community Reaction and Safety Concerns

The Omaha Police Department has issued a warning about the dangers of swatting, emphasizing the strain such hoaxes put on public safety resources and emergency responders. As law enforcement continues to investigate the incident, many in the community are reflecting on the growing trend of false alarms and their impact on both law enforcement and the public.

UNO’s quick response and cooperation with local authorities helped minimize the impact of this hoax, but it also raised concerns about the safety of large campuses, particularly when false alarms can cause widespread panic and anxiety.

Investigation and Ongoing Efforts

As the investigation continues, OPD detectives are working to determine the origin of the false 911 call and to identify the person responsible. Video footage, call records, and other evidence are being reviewed to trace the source of the hoax. OPD has urged anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and assist in solving the case.

“The swatting call was a malicious act that caused undue alarm, putting both our community and our responders at risk,” a police spokesperson stated. “We are committed to finding those responsible and ensuring they are held accountable for their actions.”

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

While the situation was ultimately resolved without any harm, the UNO incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by swatting and similar hoaxes. In a world where social media and online gaming platforms can easily facilitate such pranks, it is essential that law enforcement and community leaders continue to educate the public about the consequences of these malicious acts.

The Omaha Police Department and UNO are working together to ensure that campus safety protocols are in place to deal with such incidents swiftly, and that the community remains informed about how to respond in these types of situations.

No Injuries, But Serious Consequences

While no injuries were reported and the campus was ultimately declared safe, the swatting incident in Omaha raised serious concerns about public safety, especially in college communities where large gatherings and events take place. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, communication, and preparedness in the face of false emergencies.

As OPD continues to investigate, it is expected that further updates will be released, and any individuals responsible for the swatting call will face serious legal repercussions.

Conclusion: The Aftermath of Swatting

In the aftermath of the false active shooter report at UNO, the university, police, and community members are left to reflect on the dangers of swatting. Though the situation was resolved without injury, the potential for harm remains high in such incidents. Moving forward, authorities will continue to take action against those who perpetrate these dangerous hoaxes, and the community will work to ensure that future emergencies are handled with the utmost caution and care.

The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement is committed to ensuring that justice is served and that the individuals responsible for this hoax are held accountable. In the meantime, the University of Nebraska Omaha continues to focus on the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff.