Multiple hoax active shooter calls reported at several Florida campuses

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (WPEC) — Police in Florida said they responded to active shooter calls at multiple campuses in the southern part of the state on Tuesday.

As of the afternoon, the following schools confirmed they received hoax calls:

• Florida International University
• Palm Beach Atlantic University
• Everglades University
• Indian River State College Massey Campus
• Florida Atlantic University Fort Lauderdale Campus
• Broward College

According to Florida International University Police, officers investigated reports of an incident inside the ACH 3 building in Miami, leading to an evacuation. Officers cleared the building before conducting a methodical search.

FIU Commencement Ceremonies have started and run through Thursday.

Police gave the all clear, saying there is no danger to anyone on campus and the calls appear to be false.

Additionally, emails sent to workers in the area of Florida Atlantic University mentioned reports of a possible active shooter situation in the area.

Palm Beach Atlantic University also received similar calls, with West Palm Beach Police calling it a hoax. Video shared by a WPEC viewer shows an active police presence at the campus.

The West Palm Beach Police Department dispatched dozens of units, including the fire department to assist, though everyone was eventually called off within a few minutes when it was confirmed the call was not legitimate.

Public Information Officer Mike Jachles said the caller claimed an active shooter was on the third floor of a campus building, but the logistics didn't add up.

Thank God this was not a legitimate call and no one was injured here," Chief Frank Adderley said.

The school's commencement is scheduled for Friday.

Two otherFlorida Atlantic University campuses, Boca Raton and Broward County, were also targeted with false calls of an active shooter.

These calls were quickly determined by law enforcement agencies and their first-responders to be hoax calls,"Florida Atlantic University noted in a statement. "Such calls, typically known as 'swatting' calls, have become commonplace around the country. These dangerous and unlawful prank calls report a serious crime taking place at a given location. Typically, they refer to active shooter situations, bomb threats, hostage taking, and others."

Indian River State College said on Twitter that all campuses are safe after it received a call claiming there was an active shooter on Massey Campus.