Alleged California children's hospital shooting threat deemed a hoax Sheriff

On March 12, 2025, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital in California became the focus of a significant law enforcement response due to a reported shooting threat. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department quickly evacuated the hospital and conducted a thorough search, ultimately determining that the threat was a hoax. Sheriff Shannon Dicus confirmed that no evidence of a shooting was found, and fortunately, no injuries were reported among hospital staff or patients. The incident has raised concerns about swatting, a malicious act that falsely reports emergencies to provoke a heavy police response. Investigators are currently working to trace the source of the false reports, but as of Wednesday night, no arrests have been made.

The hoax not only caused chaos in a children's hospital but also highlighted the dangers and legal consequences associated with swatting. Such incidents can significantly strain law enforcement resources and create unnecessary panic within communities. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible reporting and the serious impacts of false threats.