Syracuse University Shooting Today, Authorities Investigate Report Of An Active Shooter In Syracuse
On April 7, 2025, the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) experienced a swatting incident—a false report intended to elicit a significant law enforcement response.
The Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS) promptly addressed the situation, confirming there was no active shooter on campus. They reassured the community that, despite an increased police presence, the campus remained secure.
This event is part of a troubling pattern of false threats targeting educational institutions in Syracuse. In February 2024, Syracuse University faced multiple swatting incidents, including two false active shooter reports at Maxwell Hall and Eggers Hall within 24 hours.
These incidents prompted swift responses from DPS and the Syracuse Police Department (SPD), who conducted thorough investigations and determined the threats were unfounded.
The recurrence of such false reports has raised concerns among students and faculty. Community members have expressed unease about the frequency of these incidents and their impact on campus safety.
The DPS, in collaboration with local law enforcement and the FBI, continues to investigate these swatting cases to identify those responsible and prevent future occurrences.
In response to these incidents, DPS emphasizes the importance of vigilance and preparedness. They advocate for the “Run. Hide. Fight.” protocol as a best practice during active shooter situations:
- Run: Evacuate if possible, leaving belongings behind and keeping hands visible.
- Hide: If evacuation isn’t feasible, find a hiding place out of the shooter’s view, lock and barricade doors, and silence electronic devices.
- Fight: As a last resort, when life is in imminent danger, attempt to incapacitate the shooter using physical aggression and improvised weapons.
DPS encourages the campus community to report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 315.443.2224 or using the Orange Safe mobile app. They also offer resources and training sessions to enhance personal safety and preparedness.
While the recent swatting incidents have been false alarms, they underscore the necessity for ongoing vigilance and prompt reporting of any suspicious activities to maintain a safe campus environment.
