False Shooter Report Shuts Down RI Hospital

South County Hospital in Rhode Island experienced a lockdown and patient diversions early Monday afternoon due to a false active shooter report. The incident began when police received a 911 call alleging an active shooter within the hospital premises. Responding officers conducted an immediate search but found no evidence to support the claim, discovering neither a shooter nor any victims.

Authorities have characterized the event as a potential 'swatting' incident, a malicious act involving the placement of fraudulent emergency calls to provoke a large-scale law enforcement response. Following a thorough physical sweep and a secondary check with police dogs, officials confirmed the hospital was secure and all individuals were safe. Despite the all-clear, the hospital continued to divert incoming patients to other facilities while the situation was fully resolved.