The Group That's Been Swatting US Universities
13 days ago
- #online-extremism
- #swatting
- #FBI-investigation
- A self-proclaimed leader of an online group called Purgatory, linked to The Com, claims responsibility for recent hoax active-shooter alerts at US universities.
- Purgatory offers services like swatting (hoax threats) for $20-$95, and other violent acts like 'slashings' and 'brickings' for as little as $10.
- The group has been linked to 764, a subgroup of The Com known for extortion, doxing, and harassment, including crimes against minors.
- Since August 21, around a dozen universities have been targeted, with Purgatory allegedly earning $100,000 from these hoaxes.
- Researchers confirmed listening to Purgatory's swatting calls via livestreams, with some successfully intervening to warn targeted institutions.
- The FBI is investigating the surge in swatting incidents, emphasizing the risks to innocent people and the drain on law enforcement resources.
- Purgatory members celebrated media coverage of their actions, including a swatting attempt at the University of Colorado Boulder.
- Three Purgatory members were previously arrested and charged for similar threats in 2024, pleading guilty to conspiracy and cyberstalking.
- Gores, a Purgatory leader, remains unafraid of FBI investigations and claims the swatting spree will continue for another two months.