Extremist Group Claims Responsibility for "Swatting" Calls

"A person who goes by the name Gores online claimed responsibility for the flurry of so-called swatting calls made to colleges and universities over the past several days, Wired reported. Gores is the self-proclaimed leader of an online group called Purgatory, which is linked to a violent online extremist network called The Com, according to Wired. Alongside another Purgatory member called tor, Gores began placing fake calls to campus and local emergency services about noon Aug. 21, the same day the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Villanova University received swatting calls."

"As of Wednesday afternoon, Inside Higher Ed counted 19 confirmed swatting calls since Aug. 19, including at Mercer University, the University of Wisconsin at Madison, the University of Utah and the University of New Hampshire. Not all of the calls placed by Purgatory have been successful. In some cases, authorities correctly identified the calls as hoaxes. When the group placed a call to Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa., a researcher listening in on the call was able to alert the university."

"Purgatory offers to make swatting calls for as little as $20, though the price has increased to $95 since this recent campaign of calls began, according to Wired. Three members of Purgatory were arrested in 2024 and pleaded guilty earlier this year for threats made to a Delaware high school, a trailer park in Alabama, Albany International Airport, an Ohio casino and a private residence in Georgia."

An individual using the name Gores claimed responsibility for a series of swatting calls targeting colleges and universities. Gores is the self-proclaimed leader of an online group called Purgatory, which is linked to a violent online extremist network called The Com. Alongside another member called tor, Gores began placing fake active-shooter calls to campus and local emergency services around noon on Aug. 21, coinciding with calls to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Villanova University. At least 19 confirmed swatting calls have occurred since Aug. 19, affecting multiple institutions. Some hoaxes were identified and thwarted, including a Bucknell call that was intercepted by a researcher. The FBI is investigating the increase in swatting, and Purgatory offered paid swatting services while three members pleaded guilty earlier this year to related threats.

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