Swatting Incident Targets Family of Austin Metcalf
A “swatting” call was made Thursday to an address linked to the family of the Frisco teenager who was fatally stabbed at a track meet earlier this month, police confirmed to The Dallas Morning News.
Frisco police said officers responded earlier in the evening to a gunshot call to an address tied to Austin Metcalf’s family. Grant Cottingham, a police spokesperson, said the call turned out to be false.
The Department of Homeland Security defines swatting as the act of making “malicious hoax calls” to authorities to draw a significant police response — often heavily-armed SWAT teams — to the target.
What is Swatting?
Swatting is a serious crime that involves making false reports to the police with the intention of getting a significant response, such as a SWAT team, to a particular location. This can be done for a variety of reasons, including to harass or intimidate someone, or to cause chaos and disruption.
In the case of Austin Metcalf’s family, the swatting call was made to an address linked to the family, and police responded to the scene. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident highlights the seriousness of swatting and the potential consequences it can have.
Background of the Case
The stabbing case that led to Austin Metcalf’s death has drawn national attention. Online fundraisers for Metcalf and the suspect, Karmelo Anthony, have drawn hundreds of thousands of dollars. Police have said they are working with each family to ensure their safety as the case progresses.
Frisco police have not said that race played a role in the stabbing case, including the responding officers whose accounts were included in a police report obtained by The News. Much of the online discourse and disinformation has been along racial lines. Metcalf was white. Anthony is Black.
Response from the Family
Jeff Metcalf, Austin’s father, has been among those urging the public to avoid speculation about the case. The day after his son’s death, he appeared on a Fox News program, where he described Anthony as someone who had “made a bad choice” — one that would forever change the lives of both families.
Jeff Metcalf, father of Austin Metcalf, 17, is seen before a news conference at The Next Generation Action Network’s offices Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Dallas.(Elías Valverde)
Investigation and Consequences
Cottingham declined to provide additional information about the call and the police response, including whether anyone was home or there were any injuries.
Cottingham directed reporters to file an open records request under the Texas Public Information Act for that information. The News’ requests were pending late Thursday.
Those found to make swatting calls can face criminal charges, which can range in severity in part based on whether the targets of the false calls are injured or killed.
Cottingham said he did not yet have information on whether Frisco police would open a formal investigation but noted that such investigations “generally take place in cases of swatting and other false reports.”
Conclusion
The swatting incident that targeted Austin Metcalf’s family is a serious crime that highlights the potential consequences of making false reports to the police. It is essential for the public to avoid speculation about the case and to allow the police to conduct a thorough investigation.
The case has drawn national attention, and it is crucial for the community to come together to support the families affected by the tragedy. Online fundraisers have drawn hundreds of thousands of dollars, and police are working to ensure the safety of both families as the case progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is swatting?
Swatting is the act of making malicious hoax calls to authorities to draw a significant police response, often heavily-armed SWAT teams, to a particular location.
What happened in the case of Austin Metcalf’s family?
A swatting call was made to an address linked to Austin Metcalf’s family, and police responded to the scene. The call turned out to be false, and no one was injured.
What are the consequences of making swatting calls?
Those found to make swatting calls can face criminal charges, which can range in severity based on whether the targets of the false calls are injured or killed.
Is the police investigating the swatting incident?
Cottingham said he did not yet have information on whether Frisco police would open a formal investigation, but noted that such investigations “generally take place in cases of swatting and other false reports.”
