Miami-Dade, FL - A series of swatting incidents disrupted operations at several South Florida shopping malls over the weekend.
Law enforcement agencies in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties responded to threats at malls in their respective counties.
In Miami-Dade, Dadeland Mall was placed on lockdown after authorities received a swatting call.
The bomb squad was deployed to investigate the scene.
The Miami-Dade Police Department confirmed there were no credible threats and the mall was safe for patrons and employees.
In Broward County, Sawgrass Mills Mall was also affected by a swatting incident.
While there were no reports of an active shooter, law enforcement officials responded to the scene as a precaution.
The mall remained open and there were no evacuations.
A more serious incident occurred in Palm Beach County when the Town Center at Boca Raton was evacuated due to a threat.
According to police, a caller made a false report of violence from the mall's north parking lot.
Celebrity gamer Cody Conrad, known online as Clixa, confirmed that he had been the target of the swatting attack.
Swatting incidents are malicious pranks involving false reports of violence.
Authorities say they’ve become increasingly common in recent years, causing significant disruption and distress to individuals and communities.
Law enforcement agencies are working to address the issue and hold the perpetrators accountable.