Summary
Members of FaZe Clan were swatted during aTwitchstream. The eSports organization is known for competing in several tournaments for games likeCounter-Strike: Global OffensiveandValorant, and for its controversial roster ofTwitchstreamers and content creators.
FaZe Clan is hosting a Twitch subathon until September 30, where its content creators are streaming 24/7 to partake in various challenges and pranks to entertain their fans. This is also a way to maximize Twitch’s SUBtember, a yearly event that offers discounts on subscriptions, promos on gifted subscriptions, and additionalBits and Cheers for their favorite Twitch streamers. It’s a highly-anticipated event for viewers as they get a good deal on subscriptions and support Twitch streamers, and streamers can also get more revenue during this period.
However, FaZe Clan members had a terrifying swatting incident during their subathon stream on September 19. According to aTMZ report, a person claiming to be 60 years old called 911 to claim that they had committed a double murder and provided the address of Faze Clan’s mansion in Los Angeles. The stream caught the moment when police officers arrived outside the mansion, and viewers heard a megaphone calling for the streamers to come out with their hands up.
What Happened After the FaZe Clan Swatting Incident?
Fortunately, the swatting incident was quickly defused as the FaZe Clan streamers went back to the subathon afterward. They also deleted the VOD that included the swatting to avoid gettingTwitch bans or suspensions. Many FaZe Clan fans expressed concern over the situation, denouncing people who think swatting is a funny prank. Meanwhile, the FaZe Clan Twitter account and streamers Ronaldo and Lacy have started making memes to make light of the situation.
Swatting is a dangerous prank that involves sending the police to the home of content creators. Streamers have become the usual victims because many of them share parts of their lives or do IRL streams, making them easy targets for pranksters to prey on. Many notable names like Ludwig Ahgren, Adin Ross, andBeardedBlevins have been swatted while livestreaming, which thousands of terrified viewers have witnessed.
Although many streamers and content creators have come out of swatting incidents mostly unscathed, these pranks can also take a toll on them. Twitch streamerQTCinderella shared that she developed PTSDdue to repeated swatting attempts at their home. There have also been situations wherein people get killed by police after being swatted as a prank, which further shows just how dangerous the act is and stresses the importance of providing more protection for content creators.
