Law enforcement agencies responded to Monmouth College Monday night after receiving a false report of an active incident, which was later determined to pose no actual threat to the campus.
The Monmouth Police Department received a phone call around 10 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1 from an unknown individual claiming an active incident was occurring at the college. Officers from the Monmouth PD, along with the Warren County Sheriff’s Department, Illinois State Police, and Knox County Sheriff’s Department, arrived on scene, secured the area, and conducted an investigation.
No active incident was discovered, and there is no known threat to the campus at this time. The case is being investigated as swatting, which involves falsely reporting an emergency to provoke a law enforcement response where no actual threat exists.
In a statement to the college community Tuesday morning, Monmouth College President Patricia H. Draves expressed gratitude for the cooperation and calm displayed during the incident. “Thanks to the swift response of Campus Safety and Monmouth Police Department, the reported area was rapidly secured and thoroughly investigated, and no active incident was found to be happening,” Draves wrote. “We are grateful for our safety officers and police’s vigilance and their commitment to the safety of our students, faculty, and staff.”
Draves noted that the incident remains under police investigation as swatting and directed community members to the official Monmouth Police Department press release for more details. The president also acknowledged the situation was scary and encouraged students to utilize campus support resources, including the TimelyCare app or scheduling an appointment with a counselor.
Draves extended appreciation to Vice President Karen Ogorzalek and the Student Affairs team, as well as local law enforcement partners, for their immediate action and ongoing support.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Monmouth Police Department at 309-734-8383. Anonymous tips may be submitted through the Warren County Crime Stoppers at 309-734-9363.
Questions can be directed to Monmouth Police Chief Joe Switzer at 309-734-8383.