Swatting is done for many reasons, usually by people too young or too uninformed to understand the consequences of their actions. Usually, an unsuspecting victim is caught unaware as law enforcement bursts into his or her house.

In response to the report, law enforcement officials, usually a SWAT team, descend on the location and carry out tactical measures to deal with the situation. Past swatting incidents have given reports of active shooters or hostage situations at a particular location.

You “swat” someone when you place a 911 call and report an emergency situation at their home. Swatting is a prank that can result in serious consequences.