A false emergency call claiming an active shooter at Monmouth College prompted a significant law enforcement response late Monday night, but officials say no threat was found.
According to a press release from the Monmouth Police Department, the call came in at around 10 p.m. from an unknown individual reporting an “active incident” occurring at the college.
Officers from the Monmouth Police Department, Warren County Sheriff’s Department, and Illinois State Police arrived quickly on scene, secured the area, and began an investigation.
Police said no active incident was found to be happening and emphasized there is no known threat to the campus at this time.
The incident is under investigation as a case of swatting, or falsely reporting an emergency to provoke a law enforcement response.
In a statement posted Tuesday morning, Monmouth College President Patricia Draves thanked the campus community for their “cooperation and calm” and law enforcement for their vigilance.
Monmouth police are asking anyone with information to contact the department at (309) 734-8383. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Warren County Crime Stoppers at (309) 734-9363.
