Swatting Threat Hits Jasper County, Highlights Rising Trend Across Texas

On July 27, 2025, at approximately 4:42 p.m., Jasper County law enforcement rushed to respond to a report of an active shooter in North Jasper County. Multiple units converged on the scene in what appeared to be a serious emergency, only to discover the incident was a deliberate hoax—a “swatting” call designed to provoke a heavily armed response. Authorities quickly classified the threat as false and are urging the public to help identify the perpetrator.

The Jasper County case is one of several recent swatting incidents across Texas that have alarmed both law enforcement and the public. These threats, often made anonymously through spoofed communications, put lives at risk and strain emergency resources.

In mid-July, officials in Kyle evacuated City Hall following a bomb threat that ultimately turned out to be a hoax. The scare forced the postponement of a city council meeting and left officials scrambling to reassure the public.

Meanwhile, in Frisco, the families of both a murder victim and the suspect were repeatedly targeted with false emergency calls, prompting unnecessary and traumatic SWAT deployments. Similar incidents have emerged in Little Elm, where an anonymous call falsely reported a crisis, and in Newton County, where deputies responded to a bogus double homicide report in the Liberty community.

The scope of swatting has even expanded across state lines. In early 2025, a 16-year-old from Brooklyn was arrested after making false threats targeting schools in Uvalde CISD, San Antonio, and Florida. Dubbed “Operation Long Arm of Justice,” the multi-agency investigation brought national attention to the growing threat.

Under Texas Penal Code §42.0601, swatting is categorized as a “false report to induce emergency response,” with penalties ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a third-degree felony if the hoax causes injury or death. Convictions can result in up to 10 years in prison and fines as high as $10,000.

Swatting is more than a prank—it is a dangerous form of criminal harassment. Law enforcement agencies across the state are sounding the alarm, noting the risk of physical harm, emotional trauma, and wasted emergency resources. Each swatting response can cost tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars, all while diverting personnel from real emergencies.

To counter this threat, some jurisdictions are developing emergency registry programs that allow individuals—such as public figures, journalists, or frequent online streamers—to flag themselves as potential swatting targets. Dispatchers are also being trained to identify spoofed calls and other red flags that might suggest a report is fraudulent.

Public awareness is key. Community members are encouraged to report suspicious behavior, and school districts and municipalities are reassessing their crisis response protocols. As swatting incidents rise, so does the urgency for a coordinated response to this modern and dangerous form of domestic disruption.