Police Respond to Swatting Incidents at Disneyland and Other LA-Area Locations

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The Anaheim Police Department responded to a swatting call at Disneyland on Wednesday night that turned out to be a false alarm. This was one of three swatting incidents that occurred in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas that evening, with police also responding to calls at The Shops at Santa Anita mall in Arcadia and a home in Fullerton. All three incidents appeared to be linked to social media influencers, some of whom were streaming live at the time.

Why it matters

Swatting, the act of making a hoax call to emergency services in an attempt to provoke a large police response, is a dangerous and illegal practice that wastes law enforcement resources and can put innocent people at risk. These incidents highlight the ongoing problem of swatting and the need for stronger measures to deter and prevent such hoaxes.

The details

In the Disneyland incident, officers responded to the theme park shortly before 10 p.m., but the park was not evacuated. A popular livestreamer known as "Oblivion" was seen speaking with officers and explaining that the call was a "random internet guy" who had swatted them. Prior to the Disneyland call, Arcadia police had responded to a hoax call at The Shops at Santa Anita mall, where someone had made a call about a firearm threat. Just before midnight, police also swarmed a home in Fullerton after receiving a call about a man with a gun, but found nothing.

• Around 5 p.m., officers responded to The Shops at Santa Anita mall in Arcadia.
• Shortly before 10 p.m., officers responded to Disneyland in Anaheim.
• Just before midnight, police responded to a home in Fullerton.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Authorities are investigating the source of the hoax calls and whether any charges will be filed against the individuals responsible.