Irvington PD Investigating Hoax That Prompted SWAT Response

IRVINGTON, NY — A swatting incident in the village of Irvington turned out to be a hoax, according to law enforcement.

The Village of Irvington Police Department said someone falsely reported a “critical incident” shortly before 2:30 p.m. Thursday with the intent of prompting a large-scale police response.

Police Chief Francis Pignatelli said, in a notice to the community, that the swatting incident emphasized “the importance of remaining vigilant and cooperating with law enforcement to ensure the safety of all residents.”

Pignatelli described swatting as a “dangerous prank where an individual falsely reports a critical incident, such as a hostage situation, active shooter or bomb threat, with the intent of prompting a large-scale police response, including SWAT teams.”

He said that the person intentionally made a false report, leading to a significant deployment of emergency personnel and resources.

Irvington police quickly responded, Pignatelli said, and set up a safety perimeter around the location on lower Main Street where the incident was reported.

Police from the Tarrytown and Dobbs Ferry departments were requested and responded.

“Fortunately, after conducting a thorough preliminary investigation,” Pignatelli said, “we determined that the report was a hoax, and no immediate danger was present.”

He said swatting incidents pose serious risks to public safety, as they divert resources from genuine emergencies and can potentially result in harm or injury to innocent individuals.

“We are actively pursuing all available leads to identify and apprehend the person responsible for this swatting incident,” Pignatelli said.

“Our department will work closely with partners from various law enforcement agencies to address this matter swiftly in an attempt to ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable for their actions,” he said.

Pignatelli said he understands that incidents like these can cause anxiety and concern within the community.

He offered his appreciation to the residents and people in the area who cooperated with law enforcement during the incident, as well as the officers and first responders who handled the situation with professionalism and expertise.