Public Safety Alert: Hoax Calls, Real Threats – Stay Aware
Across the country, communities have been shaken by a surge of false active shooter reports. These hoax calls—often made to schools and universities—have forced police lockdowns, triggered fear, and diverted emergency resources.
Now, this pattern has taken a deadly turn. On August 27, 2025, Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, MN became the scene of a real mass shooting, proving that attackers may be using hoaxes to mask or prepare for real violence.
Recent Hoax and False Reports
To understand the threat, here’s a list of recent hoax calls with past 2 days:
Macon, GA (Rutland High School) – 1 day ago – Police confirm false active shooter call.
Macon, GA (Central Georgia Technical College) – 1 day ago – Multiple reports of active shooter, lockdowns, and student barricades. Police confirmed no credible threat.
Lexington, KY (University of Kentucky, William T. Young Library) – 1 day ago – University confirmed false report, all clear issued.
Ames, IA (Iowa State University) – 1 day ago – Reports of active shooter, later declared no credible threat.
Durham, NH (University of New Hampshire) – 2 days ago – Hoax call prompted police response, confirmed false.
Fayetteville, AR (University of Arkansas) – 2 days ago – Over 300 separate calls reported active shooters at multiple buildings; no credible threat found.
Boulder, CO (University of Colorado, Norlin Library) – 2 days ago – Campus-wide shelter-in-place after reports of shots fired; cleared after police investigation.
On August 27, 2025, an individual co-leading an online group called Purgatory claims responsibility for these recent hoax active shooter alerts at universities across the US.
Who Is “Purgatory”?
Organized as a Violent “Swatting-as-a-Service” Group
Purgatory is a self-proclaimed online group linked to the extremist The Com network, infamous for swatting, doxxing, harassment, and other violent provocations.
The group offers services via Telegram, ranging from fake active shooter threats at schools to violence such as “slashings” and “brickings,” all for as little as $10 to $95, depending on the target.
Confirmed to Be Behind Recent University Hoaxes
A leader known as Gores claims direct responsibility for the spate of false active shooter alerts at U.S. colleges. These calls triggered widespread lockdowns and panic.
Researchers tracked audio livestreams of the hoax calls and even managed to directly warn some targeted schools.
Example: During one attempt on Bucknell University, a researcher phoned ahead to alert the institution that it was a hoax.
Part of a Larger Extremist Ecosystem
Purgatory is a branch of the extremist 764 subgroup within The Com, a decentralized online extremist network. Members have histories of extortion, sexual abuse, kidnapping, and murder.WHYY+4WIRED+4WIRED+4
In 2024, multiple members were arrested and pleaded guilty to conspiracy, cyberstalking, interstate threats, and violent threat-making.
Financial Motive and Media Buzz
Gores claims Purgatory has made ~$100,000 from its swatting operations since August 21, 2025, when the spree began. Though that number is unverified, the claim indicates a structured, profit-driven motive.
Their online presence includes celebrating media attention from hoaxed incidents such as those at the University of Colorado Boulder and Villanova
Why It Matters – Especially Given Religious Context
Several of the recent hoaxes specifically targeted Catholic institutions:
Villanova University, a Catholic university, was hit on August 21 during its orientation Mass. Authorities confirmed it was a hoax.
Earlier swatting targets include institutions across the U.S., many of which are religiously affiliated or host campus worship events.
The drastic shift from hoaxes to a real mass shooting at a Catholic church and school in Minneapolis raises concern about symbolic targeting, especially when both the hoax campaign and the fatal attack appear religiously related.
The Real Incident
Minneapolis, MN (Annunciation Church) – Today, 06:34–07:30 AM – Reports of 100+ shots fired. Shooter confirmed, multiple dead and injured. ATF and dozens of police units responded. City later declared the shooter “contained.”
What We Know About the Shooter
Identity and Background
23 year old Robin Westman: No known criminal record.
Attack Details
Weapons: Armed with a rifle, shotgun, and a pistol—all were used during the attack. Authorities also found a smoke bomb (or firework-like device), though no explosives were present.
Method & Timing: Occurred around 8:30 a.m. CDT during a morning Mass in the first week of school. The shooter fired from outside the building, through stained-glass windows. Witnesses reported 50–100 shots.
Casualties & Shooter’s Fate
Victims: Two children (ages 8 and 10) were killed. 17 people were injured, including 14 children—with several in critical condition.
Shooter’s Fate: The attacker died by self-inflicted gunshot wound—a murder-suicide.
Ongoing Investigation
Motive: Currently unknown. Investigators—including the FBI, ATF, and local agencies—are examining evidence such as a vehicle believed to have been used by the shooter, as well as materials at the scene.
No affiliation confirmed: Authorities have not determined whether the shooter had any ties to the church, school, or congregation.
The Danger of Confusion
Tactic evolving: Hoax calls may be used deliberately to confuse police and desensitize the public.
Resource drain: Multiple false calls can divide or delay police response to real threats.
High-risk locations: Schools, universities, and churches remain prime targets for both hoaxes and real attacks.
What You Can Do
Take all reports seriously – Until law enforcement confirms otherwise.
Stay alert and prepared – Know your school, workplace, or church’s lockdown/evacuation plan.
Report with clarity – If you see danger, provide accurate details to 911.
Don’t spread rumors – Share only official updates to avoid confusion.
Support law enforcement response – Expect heavy police presence during any reported incident.
Final Word
The hoax calls of the last week show a coordinated trend. The Minneapolis church tragedy proves that real shooters can strike when people least expect it.
Heightened awareness is critical. Communities cannot afford to dismiss reports as “just another hoax.”
If you see something, say something. If you hear a report, take it seriously.
Awareness saves lives.
