Ex-FBI Agent Explains Campus Swatting Epidemic Linked to 'The Comm'

The 'Swatting' Phenomenon and 'The Comm'

• 💡 The recent spate of active-shooter swatting calls on U.S. college campuses is not the work of a single group but originates from a broader organization called 'The Comm'.
• 📌 Purgatory is identified as an operational arm of 'The Comm', carrying out these false reports.
• ⚠️ The FBI issued a warning about 'The Comm' in April, anticipating such activities.

Financial Motivation and Recruitment

• 💰 'The Comm' is reportedly charging individuals for these swatting incidents, having made approximately $100,000.
• 📈 They initially charged $20 per university and $50 for businesses, hospitals, and airports, with plans to increase rates to $95.
• 🎯 'The Comm' primarily recruits young males, as young as 11 and up to 25 years old, often through online gaming platforms.
• ⚖️ They target young males, believing the consequences for them will be less severe.

Modus Operandi and Motivation

• 🌐 Recruitment and coordination occur through platforms like Telegram and Discord, and other sub-threads on networks.
• 🎭 Individuals involved are making these calls, with speculation that it's done for 'fun' or 'a rise'.
• ⚡ The motivation appears to be deriving a sick gratification from the widespread fear, disruption, and massive response these hoaxes generate.

Challenges in Combating Swatting

• 📞 Equipping 911 operators with technology to decipher difficult-to-trace internet phone numbers is a potential step.
• ❓ However, the core problem remains that even with better technology, there's a risk of missing a hoax call, which could have dire consequences if it's a genuine emergency.
• 🔬 There is a critical need to develop more accurate technology for detecting these hoaxes.