Rep. Craig Williams, who represents parts of Delaware and Chester counties, has announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at making “swatting” a crime in Pennsylvania. Swatting involves making false emergency reports with the intention of provoking an armed police response.
“Swatting is not a prank. It is a violent threat disguised as a mere phone call,” Williams said. “When someone falsely reports an emergency to provoke a heavily armed police response, they intentionally risk lives of everyone targeted at the location and law enforcement.”
The announcement follows an incident in August when Villanova University was subjected to multiple false active shooter reports. These hoax calls led to widespread fear among students and parents and required significant mobilization from emergency responders, even though the threats were ultimately unfounded.
“It is absurd that hoax calls of active shooters – which is intended as an act of terrorism – is not currently a crime in Pennsylvania. We must remedy that immediately. Our safety demands it,” Williams stated.
Williams intends to introduce two bills next week. The first would make swatting a felony offense for those who engage in such acts. The second bill would give courts the authority to require convicted individuals to reimburse state agencies, municipalities, and emergency responders for costs incurred during their response, including personnel time, prosecution expenses, and equipment use.
“These bills reflect a simple principle: if you terrorize our community with false calls of active violence, you will be punished,” said Williams.
Williams has experience as a federal prosecutor and served as head prosecutor for the Marine Corps Reserve. He has also worked on securing funding for prosecuting illegal gun possession cases in Delaware and Philadelphia counties.
