Boone, North Carolina, December 3, 2025
In Boone, North Carolina, the Appalachian State University Police Department has ramped up campus patrols following a hoax threat. A false report of a gunman led to a lockdown and the cancellation of night classes. Investigators confirmed the report was fabricated, and classes resumed after the all-clear announcement. The police department is enhancing its presence to ensure community safety and encourage reporting of suspicious activity.
Boone, North Carolina – Police Increase Appalachian State Patrols After Hoax Threat
Boone, North Carolina – In response to a recent hoax threat, the Appalachian State University Police Department has intensified campus patrols to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff. The false report, which led to heightened security measures, was promptly investigated and determined to be unfounded.
Details of the Hoax
The incident began when a report of a gunman on campus prompted a lockdown and the cancellation of all night classes. The Boone Police Department investigated the claim and found that the individual who reported the sighting admitted to fabricating the story. There was no armed or masked suspect, and the campus was safe. The individual could face a misdemeanor charge for filing a false police report. University officials confirmed that classes resumed as normal following the all-clear announcement.
Enhanced Security Measures
In the aftermath of the hoax, the Appalachian State University Police Department has increased patrols across the campus. Officers are conducting bicycle, foot, and vehicle patrols 24 hours a day throughout the year to maintain a secure environment. The department emphasizes proactive community engagement, collaboration, and customer service to prevent crime and improve the quality of life on campus.
Background on Hoax Incidents
False reports, commonly known as “swatting,” have been a growing concern nationwide. These hoaxes divert first responders from real emergencies, cause unnecessary panic, and waste police resources. In the 2022-2023 school year, 63.8% of all violent incidents were false active shooter reports, marking a 546% increase from the 2018-2019 school year.
Appalachian State University’s Response
Appalachian State University is committed to fostering a secure and supportive environment for its campus community. The university maintains a range of public safety policies and practices designed to promote well-being, prevent harm, and respond effectively when incidents occur. These policies are outlined in the University Policy Manual and are integrated throughout the Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report.
Reporting Suspicious Activity
The Appalachian State University Police Department encourages the campus community to report any suspicious activity or potential threats. Individuals can contact the police department at 828-262-8000 or dial 911 in case of an emergency. The university also offers an emergency messaging system, AppState-ALERT, which provides immediate information to students, employees, and their families in the event of a campus emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the hoax threat at Appalachian State University?
A false report of a gunman on campus led to a lockdown and the cancellation of all night classes. The individual who reported the sighting admitted to fabricating the story, and there was no armed or masked suspect. The campus was safe, and classes resumed as normal following the all-clear announcement.
How is Appalachian State University responding to the hoax threat?
The Appalachian State University Police Department has increased patrols across the campus, conducting bicycle, foot, and vehicle patrols 24 hours a day throughout the year to maintain a secure environment. The department emphasizes proactive community engagement, collaboration, and customer service to prevent crime and improve the quality of life on campus.
What are “swatting” incidents, and how do they affect communities?
“Swatting” refers to false reports, such as fake active shooter threats, that divert first responders from real emergencies, cause unnecessary panic, and waste police resources. In the 2022-2023 school year, 63.8% of all violent incidents were false active shooter reports, marking a 546% increase from the 2018-2019 school year.
How can individuals report suspicious activity at Appalachian State University?
Individuals can contact the Appalachian State University Police Department at 828-262-8000 or dial 911 in case of an emergency. The university also offers an emergency messaging system, AppState-ALERT, which provides immediate information to students, employees, and their families in the event of a campus emergency.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Boone, North Carolina |
| Incident | False report of a gunman on campus leading to lockdown and class cancellations |
| Response | Increased campus patrols by Appalachian State University Police Department |
| Impact | No actual threat; classes resumed as normal following the all-clear announcement |
| Reporting | Individuals can contact the police department at 828-262-8000 or dial 911 in case of an emergency |
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