Authorities in Newport Beach, California, are investigating a false report of an active shooter at Hoag Hospital that prompted a large police response Tuesday afternoon.
According to the Newport Beach Police Department, officers quickly arrived at the scene and began clearing the hospital after receiving reports of a possible shooter. However, after a thorough search, police confirmed there was no active threat and that the call was likely a case of swatting — a dangerous hoax in which someone makes a false emergency report to provoke a police response.
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Law enforcement officials have not released additional details about the incident or the origin of the call but said the investigation remains ongoing.
“Public safety is our top priority, and we take all such reports seriously until verified,” authorities said in a statement.
Hospital operations have since returned to normal, and no injuries were reported.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.