06/25/2026
Media Release — MARCO ISLAND, Fla. — This afternoon, just after 3:00 p.m., an anonymous call was received by the Marco Island Police Department from an individual claiming to have a pipe bomb strapped to their chest that would detonate within 10 minutes. The caller stated they were located at an address on Marco Island.
While an officer worked to gather as much information as possible from the caller, Marco Island Police command staff immediately began coordinating additional resources. The Collier County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad, Collier County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team, Collier County EMS, and Marco Island Fire-Rescue Department were placed on standby and prepared to respond.
Officers responded immediately to the area and began clearing nearby residences out of an
abundance of caution. During the investigation, officers determined that the address provided by the caller does not exist on Marco Island.
After a thorough investigation and the precautionary clearing of nearby homes, the incident was determined to be an isolated swatting incident.
Swatting is the act of making a false report of a serious emergency, such as a bomb threat, active shooter, or hostage situations, with the intent of triggering a large law enforcement response.
These incidents place first responders and community members at unnecessary risk and divert critical public safety resources from legitimate emergencies.
Swatting is not a harmless prank. Individuals who make false emergency reports may face
serious criminal charges under Florida law, including felony offenses that can carry significant prison sentences, substantial fines, and court-ordered restitution for the costs incurred by responding agencies. Although this incident was ultimately determined to be a hoax, the Marco Island Police Department treats all threats as credible until proven otherwise.
Today's response demonstrated the coordinated efforts and preparedness of local and regional public safety agencies during a
potential major incident.
"The safety of our residents and visitors is our highest priority. While this incident was
ultimately determined to be a hoax, our officers and partner agencies responded quickly and
professionally to ensure the community remained safe. We take every threat seriously and will continue working diligently to identify the person responsible for this call," said Interim Chief of Police Joe Belardo.
The scene has been cleared and there is no ongoing threat to the community. Investigators are actively working to identify the individual responsible for making the call.
The Marco Island Police Department would like to thank the Collier County Sheriff's Office,
Collier County EMS, and Marco Island Fire-Rescue Department for their swift response and
continued partnership in ensuring the safety of our community.
