Aug. 25, 2025—The University of Colorado Boulder was the latest target in a string of hoaxes directed at campuses around the country with false active-harmer reports.
The CU Boulder Police Department (CUPD) has determined there was and is no threat to campus.
For CU Boulder, the Monday, Aug. 25, swatting incident resulted in a campus disruption for more than three hours beginning shortly before 5 p.m. Swatting involves a fake emergency call that activates first responders and is designed to create havoc, fear and confusion.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for all of Main Campus, including Norlin Library and Sewall Hall, where the threat was initially reported. Affected buildings were searched and cleared by 8:18 p.m. and police are investigating the incident as a hoax.
Shortly before 5 p.m., emergency services received a report from an individual who claimed to be at Sewall Hall and heard gunshots coming from the direction of Norlin Library. There were no findings of injuries or any suspect.
CUPD, the Boulder Police Department, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and the Boulder Fire Department responded. A heavy police presence remained in the area for the evening. The campus community will continue to notice increased visibility of CUPD officers at residence halls and Norlin Library in upcoming days.
Anyone who left personal property inside Norlin Library is being instructed to meet CUPD officers at the east-side doors of the library to be escorted inside and retrieve their belongings until 11 p.m. this evening. Norlin Library will remain closed for the night and reopen for normal business hours tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 26. If you are unable to retrieve your belongings tonight, go to the security office located at room M298 on the second floor of Norlin Library during normal business hours tomorrow.
For more information, visit CU Boulder Alerts. For support from the Office of Victim Assistance, Counseling and Psychiatric Services, the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program and other services, visit campus resources.
