$1 million for just one single false threat: Researchers on cost of swatting attacks

Artificial intelligence is now being used in swatting attacks, making false threats seem more credible, researchers say

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

KETV Investigates uncovered how local researchers say artificial intelligence is now being used in swatting attacks. Researchers said the use of AI can make a false threat, such as a bomb threat, seem more credible. One researcher stated that these organized online groups of nihilistic, violent extremists often simultaneously send out threats to multiple places, with the goal of having a gratifying response from the media and social media coverage.

Why it matters

Even if the threat is clearly false, safety protocols still need to be followed, leading to significant costs for universities and communities. Researchers say a single false threat can cost a university up to $1 million, and the impacts can reach beyond just the financial toll, causing public fear and heightened anxiety.

The details

On January 12th, both the University of Nebraska Omaha and the University of Nebraska Medical Center libraries were evacuated for multiple hours due to bomb threats, which were later determined to be false. At least three other universities across the country also received similar threats that day. Mackenzie Harms, a senior researcher at NCITE, the national counterterrorism center in Omaha, says it is common for online groups of nihilistic, violent extremists to simultaneously send out these threats, with different members playing different roles, and then monitoring the responses and media coverage, which is gratifying for them.

  • On January 12th, the UNO and UNMC libraries were evacuated due to bomb threats.
  • The buildings were reopened a short while later after law enforcement determined there was no threat.

The players

Mackenzie Harms

A senior researcher at NCITE - the national counterterrorism center in Omaha, who has researched swatting attacks extensively.

Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency at DHS

An agency that has stated that about 98% of bomb threats are false threats.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They're organized online, they're a network, and part of it is this group mentality of doing these attacks. They all have different roles that they play in this. Like I said, they like to have a live stream where they will have themselves multiple people doing different calls, doing different threats, getting input on the responses as the media starts reporting on it, social media starts talking about the impact. And that's gratifying for these threat actors.”

— Mackenzie Harms, Senior Researcher, NCITE (KETV)

“They can cost universities easily $1 million for just one single false threat.”

— Mackenzie Harms, Senior Researcher, NCITE (KETV)

What’s next

Nebraska has introduced legislation that they hope to pass to allow for charges specifically for swatting that go beyond traditional misdemeanor charges.

The takeaway

The use of artificial intelligence in swatting attacks is making false threats seem more credible, leading to significant costs and impacts for universities and communities. Even if the threats are clearly false, safety protocols must still be followed, causing disruption and anxiety. Specific penalties for swatting could help curb the problem.