Hoag Hospital Targeted in Dangerous Swatting Incident

On September 15th, 2025, Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach was the target of a swatting incident, where someone made a false emergency call reporting gunfire at the facility. The Newport Beach Police Department immediately dispatched officers to the scene, who conducted a thorough search of the hospital but found no evidence of an active shooter or any other threat.

Authorities have confirmed that this was a malicious swatting call, a criminal act where individuals make false reports to emergency services in order to provoke a large law enforcement response. The Department of Homeland Security defines swatting as a "malicious act that can involve placing false emergency calls to emergency responders, often reporting a severe, ongoing crisis at a specific location."

Police emphasized that swatting calls are not only illegal but also highly disruptive and dangerous, as they can trigger large-scale responses that put people at risk. Earlier this week, another local hospital had also experienced a similar swatting incident, though the facility's name was not disclosed.

The Newport Beach Police Department assured the public that there is no current threat to Hoag Hospital or the surrounding community. They stated, "We take these incidents seriously and will continue working with our regional law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law."

Swatting has a history of dangerous outcomes, with past incidents causing fear, panic, and even fatalities. Authorities encourage the public to report any suspicious online activity that may indicate planned swatting, and for hospitals, schools, and other public buildings to review their emergency protocols to prevent panic in case of false reports.