Billings Police Respond to Shocking Swatting Call

The internet can be an unpredictable and wild place. One minute you're scrolling through Reels about the recently released UFO files, the next you're arguing in a comment section with someone about politics like either of your comments will make a difference.

Then, you have people who take things a little bit further and well-beyond what's legally allowed.

Billings Police Report "Swatting" Incident

In case you're unfamiliar, "swatting" is the act of calling law enforcement, telling them about an extremely dangerous situation (one that could result in SWAT showing up), and giving them the address of the person you want to send them to.

That's exactly what happened to Billings police on Tuesday, but law enforcement sensed something was up so they made the appropriate adjustments.

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"During this incident, BPD command staff and responding officers did an exceptional job evaluating the information being provided, recognizing indicators consistent with a potential swatting call, and adjusting the response accordingly," Billings police said in a released statement. "At the same time, officers exercised the necessary diligence to verify the circumstances and ensure there was no legitimate threat to community members."

"The incident was ultimately confirmed to be a swatting call."

Punishment for Swatting in Montana

As I mentioned above, the punishment for swatting is a serious one in Montana and if bodily harm or injury occurs in the process, you could be looking at an upgrade to felony charges.

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According to Montana law, if you're caught swatting, you could be hit with a $500 fine and up to six months in jail.

And according to their release, Billings police are investigating the call so there's a good chance they'll find the source of the call, then that person can face the consequences of their actions.