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AG Nessel Calls for Stricter Laws Following East Lansing High School Swatting Incident
May 01, 2026
LANSING – Following today’s bomb threat at East Lansing High School, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reminding students of the seriousness of swatting incidents and is urging the Michigan Legislature to enact stricter penalties for those who make false threats. Swatting is defined as a prank call made to emergency services in an attempt to dispatch law enforcement to a particular location.
“Swatting is a reckless crime that diverts law enforcement resources and leaves students and faculty fearing for their lives,” said Attorney General Nessel. “Our current laws are not strong enough. The Legislature must pass stricter penalties that truly reflect the seriousness of this offense.”
Under current law, swatting could result in the following charges:
- False report of a crime, a 93-day misdemeanor;
- False report resulting in physical injury, a 5-year felony;
- False report resulting in a serious bodily impairment, a 10-year felony; and/or
- False report resulting in a death, a 15-year felony.
Potential charges one could face if they make a threat of violence include:
- Communicating a threat of terrorism, a 20-year felony;
- Calling in a bomb threat, a 4-year felony; and
- Malicious use of a telecommunications device, a 6-month misdemeanor.
In addition to serving time in jail or prison, those who are found guilty of these crimes can face fines of up to $20,000.
Residents who receive or know of a threat of violence against their community should contact their local law enforcement. They can also leave a tip with the state’s OK2SAY hotline by calling 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729) or texting 652729 (OK2SAY).
OK2SAY, which is housed within the Michigan State Police, provides for confidential reports of potential self-harm, harm to others, or criminal acts including, but not limited to, sexual abuse, assault, or rape, directed at students, school employees, or schools in this state. The hotline operates 24/7 and protects the confidentiality of the reporter’s identity.
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