UNLV Student Union reopens after 'swatting incident'

Authorities confirm false emergency call prompted shelter-in-place order

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The UNLV Student Union has resumed normal operations after a brief shelter-in-place order on Friday afternoon, which authorities have confirmed was the result of a swatting hoax. Police responded to a reported incident at the Student Union just after 3:30 p.m. and, as a precautionary measure, directed individuals inside the building to shelter in place while they investigated. After a thorough investigation, police quickly determined the call to be a 'swatting incident', a dangerous hoax in which a false report is made to prompt an emergency response.

Why it matters

Swatting incidents have become an increasing concern for law enforcement and universities, as they divert critical resources and can potentially put innocent people at risk. This incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and improved measures to prevent and respond to such hoaxes.

The details

University Police Department (UPD) and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to the reported incident at the UNLV Student Union. After determining the call was a hoax, officials confirmed the student union was open and there was no threat to campus. UPD and LVMPD will maintain a visible presence in the area as a continued safety precaution, and the investigation into the source of the hoax call is ongoing.

  • The incident occurred just after 3:30 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • The shelter-in-place order was lifted, and normal operations resumed shortly after the investigation determined the call was a hoax.

The players

University Police Department (UPD)

The campus police force responsible for responding to the reported incident at the UNLV Student Union.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that assisted UPD in responding to and investigating the swatting incident.

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What’s next

The investigation into the source of the hoax call is ongoing, and authorities will continue to maintain a visible presence in the area as a safety precaution.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing problem of swatting, where false emergency calls are made to prompt a large police response. Universities and law enforcement must remain vigilant and improve measures to prevent and respond to such dangerous hoaxes, which can divert critical resources and potentially put innocent people at risk.