UW-Parkside threat investigation, campus reopens

UW-Parkside threat investigation

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside campus reopened Saturday after issuing a safety alert for what law enforcement later deemed a swatting incident.

KENOSHA, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-Parkside campus reopened Saturday afternoon after issuing a safety alert for what law enforcement later deemed a swatting incident.

Timeline:

UW-Parkside police said a threat was made over the phone, and the campus was closed in response just before 10:15 a.m. Law enforcement officers then secured the campus, swept the area and determined there was no active threat.

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The campus officially reopened at 1 p.m. The university said classes, activities and events scheduled for that time or later would proceed as planned, and dining options would reopen at 4 p.m. 

An increased law enforcement presence would remain on campus throughout the day, the university said.

In a statement, UW-Parkside Chancellor Lynn Akey wrote: 

"The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff are our highest priorities. We are grateful for the swift and professional response of our campus police and local law enforcement partners. While these types of incidents are deeply unsettling, I am proud of the calm and cooperation shown by our entire Ranger community."

Men's and women's basketball games were delayed as a result of Saturday's swatting incident. Francesca Hong, a candidate in the race for Wisconsin governor, had an event scheduled at the university that had to be moved to a nearby library.

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What they're saying:

FOX6 News spoke to several student-athletes who said, minutes after the morning track meet started, they were ordered to leave the building and did so with heavy concerns.

"No one knew, not even the coaches knew, what was going on," said Lily Rogers, a Baraboo High School junior.

Rogers and her family traveled three hours for Saturday's track-and-field meet, but it was over as soon as she geared up to compete.

Swatting incident at UW-Parkside on Feb. 21, 2026.

"We were all just sitting in there, and then a cop came in and told us all to get out," she said. "We had to go stand outside for a little bit, and then he told us to leave the campus."

"I was in the middle of competing and all of a sudden I see people running," said Daniella Riemer, a UW-Parkside first-year student. "It was scary at first."

"I think it's really dumb for people to be doing that, but I'm just glad everybody's OK, and we were able to get our stuff," Simon Dominic, a UW-Parkside senior, said of the swatting incident.

Editor's note: This story was updated to reflect the newest information as the investigation progressed Saturday.