Crime
False shooting alert at UMass Boston near East Hall
Multiple Swatting Incidents Reported Across City, Including False Shooting Threat at UMass Boston
Boston Police confirmed Thursday that they are investigating a series of swatting calls across the city, including a reported active shooter situation at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Authorities have since clarified that no shots were fired and no victims were located. Law enforcement remains on scene to ensure campus safety and confirm the false nature of the threats.
Police have reported the incident on campus all clear. There is no ongoing threat to the community.
The incident initially caused widespread alarm after several students and community members reported hearing what they believed to be gunfire.
Emergency responders, including Boston Police, campus police, and multiple ambulances, flooded the area as a precautionary measure.
Two female students living in campus housing stated they were able to contact friends inside the residence halls, who reported being instructed to shelter in place until the situation was resolved.
The University of Massachusetts Boston issued a first social media alert describing the matter as a “police incident.”
A short time later, the university elevated its advisory, calling it a “public safety threat.”
Initial posts indicated the incident originated at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, which is located adjacent to the UMass Boston campus.
Follow-up alerts redirected focus to a residence hall, where students were told to remain inside their rooms.
At this time, Boston Police and UMass Boston Police have confirmed that the reports of an active shooter were unfounded. No evidence of a shooting has been discovered, and no injuries have been reported.
Officials stated that the incident is part of a pattern of swatting calls made across Boston on Thursday. Swatting involves making false emergency reports to prompt a large law enforcement response.
The university has urged the public and students to remain cautious but reassured the community that there is no ongoing threat. Additional information will be provided as the investigation continues.
Crime
Former Texas Worship Minister and Christian Musician Jon Sheptock Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas — A married Christian musician and former worship minister who once performed at a rally for former President Donald Trump has been arrested on multiple child sexual abuse material (CSAM) charges, authorities confirmed.
According to officials, Jon Sheptock, a former minister at First Montgomery Baptist Church, was taken into custody on September 26 by detectives from the Montgomery County Constable’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Unit.
He faces charges of possession and production of child pornography following a detailed investigation into allegations of long-term misconduct.
The arrest was based on testimony from a woman who alleged that Sheptock stole a photograph of her approximately nine years ago, when she was 17 years old.
The victim told investigators that after sending her the image, Sheptock demanded explicit photographs and later sent her a video depicting a violent assault, warning that he “did not want that to happen to her.”
Court records further indicate that Sheptock showed the victim nude images of both adults and minors on his computer.
Investigators allege that the misconduct continued as recently as October 2023, when Sheptock reportedly sent a text message to the victim containing a nude image of young girls.
Before his arrest, Sheptock was widely known as a Christian recording artist and motivational speaker.
His now-deleted website biography stated that he was born without arms and with one leg shorter than the other, yet went on to describe himself as a “thriving Christian recording artist and speaker.” He has been married for 26 years and is the father of three daughters.
In a public statement, First Montgomery Baptist Church confirmed that Sheptock was immediately removed from all ministry responsibilities following his arrest.
The church emphasized that Sheptock did not hold any position involving direct contact with children, and there is no indication that minors associated with the church were involved or affected.
Sheptock gained wider public attention in January 2022, when he performed the national anthem at a rally for then-President Donald Trump, according to The Independent.
If convicted, Sheptock faces a potential prison sentence ranging from two to twenty years.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County Constable’s Office Human Traffic.