Police in Tulsa arrested two livestreamers Thursday morning after responding to what investigators later determined was an apparent swatting incident in downtown Tulsa.
Authorities said officers were initially dispatched after receiving a report of a bomb threat near 211 North Elgin Avenue.
The situation quickly escalated when the caller allegedly claimed to be armed, wearing a bomb vest, and threatening to shoot people unless police confronted him.
The incident triggered a major police response before investigators concluded there was no active threat to the public.
Quick Summary of the Incident
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma |
| Main Incident | Apparent swatting call |
| Initial Threat | Bomb and shooting threat |
| Arrests Made | Two individuals |
| Main Suspect | Noah Boswell, 23 |
| Additional Arrest | Trevor Brinkley, 19 |
| Threat Status | Determined to be false |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
Police Responded to Bomb Threat Call
According to Tulsa police, officers first received reports of a possible bomb threat near North Elgin Avenue in downtown Tulsa.
While officers were responding, the caller allegedly escalated the threat by claiming he was standing near Avery Kitchen and Bar with a bomb strapped to his chest and a firearm.
Police said the caller threatened to shoot people if officers did not “come and get him.”
Authorities later reported that the caller provided additional details about his location, telling officers he was standing inside a nearby parking garage near a set of red doors.
Given the seriousness of the threat, officers quickly moved into the area to locate the suspect and protect nearby civilians.
Livestreamers Encountered While Leaving Parking Garage
When officers arrived at the parking garage, they encountered four individuals walking out while recording a livestream.
Police attempted to stop and question the group as part of the emergency investigation. However, authorities said the individuals refused to cooperate and continued walking away from officers.
The group was then detained while police investigated whether they were connected to the bomb threat call.
Investigators later determined that the reported threat was a swatting incident, meaning a false emergency report was intentionally made to trigger a large police response.
Police confirmed there was no actual bomb threat and no continuing danger to officers or the public.
Two Individuals Arrested During Investigation
During the investigation, officers discovered that 23-year-old Noah Boswell had an active felony warrant.
Authorities said Boswell was arrested and booked on charges that included threatening a violent act.
Another individual, 19-year-old Trevor Brinkley, was also taken into custody due to an unrelated city warrant.
The other two individuals detained during the incident were later released without charges.
Police have not yet confirmed who placed the original swatting call, and investigators said the case remains ongoing.
What Is Swatting?
Swatting is a dangerous form of prank or harassment where someone falsely reports a serious emergency, such as a bomb threat, hostage situation, or active shooter, to trigger a large police response.
The practice has become increasingly common in online communities, particularly among livestreamers, gamers, and internet personalities.
In some cases, swatting incidents have led to injuries and even deaths when heavily armed police respond believing they are facing a real threat.
Law enforcement agencies across the United States have warned that swatting wastes emergency resources, puts officers and civilians at risk, and can result in serious criminal charges.
Livestreaming and Online Pranks Face Increased Scrutiny
The Tulsa incident also highlights growing concerns surrounding livestream culture and dangerous online prank behavior.
As livestreaming platforms continue growing in popularity, police departments nationwide have increasingly dealt with incidents involving fake emergencies, public disturbances, and viral stunt attempts created for online attention.
Authorities often investigate whether individuals involved knowingly participated in or helped organize false emergency calls.
In this case, Tulsa police have not publicly stated whether the livestreamers themselves were directly connected to placing the swatting call.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Tulsa police said investigators are continuing to examine the incident, including reviewing evidence connected to the livestream and the emergency phone call.
Authorities have not announced whether additional charges or arrests may follow.
Officials also emphasized that there is no ongoing threat related to the incident.
The case remains under active investigation as detectives work to determine who initiated the false threat and whether others may have been involved.
