Editor’s Note

The Appalachian remains dedicated to the coverage of campus safety and will continue to provide updates regarding these reports as they become available.

Recent Campus Threats

During the past two weeks, Appalachian State University has received four repetitive reports of threats to campus. Each threat has been determined by App State Police to be a hoax.

The first report was made the night of Nov. 29 for New River Hall during Thanksgiving break. Subsequent reports followed Tuesday night for New River Hall and Sanford Hall, with the most recent report made Friday night concerning the area of Rivers Street and John E. Thomas Hall.

Official Response and Investigation

In an email sent by Johnny Brown, director of public safety and chief of police at App State, it was stated that these reports are not believed to be originating from the local area. Known as “swatting,” these hoax threats have been increasingly affecting college campuses nationwide in recent months, according to Brown.

“Like many law enforcement agencies across the nation, App State Police have received training from the FBI about characteristics and nationwide trends regarding hoax threats,” Brown wrote.

Brown also noted that the App State Police has engaged the FBI in its ongoing investigation of these reports, alongside the university’s Information Security team. He emphasized that App State Police responds to all reports of threats made to the campus community that “regard life safety,” with support from regional, state, and federal agencies when necessary.

Campus Safety Reminders

Brown concluded his email by encouraging everyone to report safety concerns to App State Police and to contact 911 for any emergencies. He mentioned that increased police presence is in the area out of an abundance of caution, and urged all App State community members to sign up for App State Alerts if they have not already done so.

In a separate email, Senior Director of Public Relations Anna Oakes reiterated that there will be an increased presence of police patrols and encouraged the reporting of “any suspicious activity or safety concerns” to App State Police.

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