Crime & Safety
Urbana, IL Campus Scare: Police Investigate Possible Swatting Call
URBANA, IL — A frightening emergency report involving guns and pipe bombs prompted a majo…
By Miles Carter · 2026-11-12T16:33:28.537Z
URBANA, IL — A frightening emergency report involving guns and pipe bombs prompted a major police response at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Wednesday evening, Nov. 11, before authorities determined the threat was not credible.
According to the University of Illinois Police Department , officers responded around 6:43 p.m. after an individual called 911 claiming to be inside Foellinger Auditorium, located at 709 S. Matthews Ave., with firearms and pipe bombs.
University police immediately issued an Illini Alert warning, deployed additional officers and began evacuating the surrounding area as a precaution.
The reported threat triggered an extensive investigation involving officers on the ground and specialists monitoring campus surveillance systems.
Police thoroughly searched Foellinger Auditorium but discovered no evidence supporting the caller’s claims.
Investigators with the department’s Real Time Information Center also reviewed campus cameras and other available resources.
Their findings suggested the caller was likely not located in the Champaign Urbana area when the emergency report was made.
Police Investigating Possible Swatting Incident
Authorities believe the incident may have been an attempted “swatting” call, a dangerous practice involving fabricated emergencies intended to provoke significant police responses.
At approximately 8 p.m. Wednesday, university police issued another Illini Alert announcing that normal campus activities could safely resume.
Despite clearing the immediate threat, officers continued monitoring the area throughout the evening as an additional precaution.
University police emphasized that all reported threats are taken seriously and investigated using available resources.
The incident comes as law enforcement agencies nationwide continue confronting swatting incidents involving false reports of violence or dangerous weapons.
No firearms, explosives or credible threats were discovered during the auditorium search.
As of Thursday, Nov. 12, the investigation into the suspected swatting incident remains ongoing.
Authorities have not announced whether a suspect has been identified or whether criminal charges are expected