Emergency responders were mobilized to the White House on Monday after receiving a prank call that falsely reported a fire engulfing the premises and people being trapped inside. The call, categorized as a “swatting” incident, was made using a fake phone number with the intention of inducing panic through threats or false claims of a catastrophic event. It is important to note that President Joe Biden was not present at the White House during this incident, as he was at Camp David at the time.
“Fire in the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,” a DC dispatcher said at 7:04 a.m.
Shortly afterward, the “all clear” was given by 7:15 a.m. after multiple units had responded.
Despite the fact that the person who answered the call denied making it, the 911 center personnel proceeded to return the call to the incoming number. It was determined by the authorities that the telephone number had been “spoofed,” which happens when a swatting caller pretends to be an innocent victim.
During the holidays, swatting victims experienced an exceptionally chaotic period.
Swatting is a form of “prank” in which law enforcement is summoned to a residence based on false reports of a crime occurring or having occurred.
🚨 WHITE HOUSE SWATTED: Fire trucks and ambulances swarmed the White House this morning after a prank caller told 911 dispatchers the building was on fire and someone was trapped inside in what appears to be a 'swatting' incident. pic.twitter.com/kp8F2k7hCs
— Proud Elephant 🇺🇸🦅 (@ProudElephantUS) January 15, 2024