Sen. John Mannion announces new legislation to combat 'swatting' calls in NYS

Sen. John W. Mannion Friday announced new legislation to combat false reports of active shooters in schools that are known as “swatting” due to the significant law enforcement response to these incidents.

The bill elevates reporting a false school shooting or violent incident on school grounds to a Class D felony and increases the penalties for anyone convicted of “swatting” a school to up to seven years.

“This legislation is about deterrence and sending a message – do not report a false shooting and terrorize and disrupt our communities. My bill strengthens state law and makes clear that anyone convicted of ‘swatting’ a school faces serious prison time,” Sen. Mannion said.

Sen. Mannion made the announcement at Westhill High School, joined by Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley, Geddes Police Chief John Fall and Westhill Superintendent Steve Dunham.

Westhill High School is one of many schools in New York that recently experienced a false report of an active school shooter and the associated police response.

MORE: Sheriff: Report of mass shooting at Westhill High School a hoax call

Dunham said, “The recent ‘swatting’ of Westhill High School was scary and infuriating. I am grateful that Senator Mannion - a longtime educator who intricately understands classroom safety and the impacts of ‘swatting’ on a school community – is stepping forward with legislation to deter this from happening again. Students should never be scared to come to school and turning our schools into fortresses is not the answer. In addition to Senator Mannion’s legislation, I support enforcing stricter gun laws, and making mental health as much a priority as physical health.”