An influencer’s “crazy” 22nd birthday bash at a nightclub was abruptly shut down after a hoax bomb “swatting” call triggered a major SWAT response, forcing hundreds outside
An influencer’s “crazy” birthday party was dramatically shut down after a hoax bomb threat sparked a massive SWAT response. Well-known streamer Zavala had been celebrating turning 22 at a packed nightclub when a ‘swatting’ call brought the night to a halt.
Hundreds of revellers were forced out into the streets after police received a false report that someone inside the venue had a bomb. Chaos erupted at Los Globos nightclub in Los Angeles, California, following the call.
Zavala is the latest streamer to be targeted by “swatting” – where a fake emergency is reported to trigger a major armed police response. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed officers were called to the nightclub on April 5 following reports of a threat.
Zavala later posted: “Chat said go crazy. So I did.
“Thank y’all for all the birthday wishes.” Police searched the venue but found no suspicious devices and made no arrests.
However, eyewitnesses claimed a fight broke out during the night, with at least one person treated by paramedics, according to KTLA. Footage shared by Zavala shows wild scenes inside the club, with the streamer performing on stage as fans and friends partied.
Outside, crowds can be seen climbing on buses and flooding the streets after the SWAT call was made. It is the second time the streamer has been caught up in a ‘swatting’ incident in recent weeks – after police were called to The Shops at Santa Anita on March 11.
A strikingly similar hoax prompted a major armed police response in the UK. On March 31, a 12-year-old boy was among three people arrested after a string of bomb and knife attack hoaxes targeting secondary schools in Cardiff.
The incidents involved high-stakes false threats, triggered significant police deployments and caused widespread disruption and alarm, the Daily Star reported. Police officers were spotted at the two targeted schools and armed officers were further photographed.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “South Wales Police have arrested three people in connection with threats made towards Cardiff secondary schools between March 15, 2026 and March 18, 2026. Two adults, a 44-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man, along with a 12-year-old boy from Birmingham have been arrested on suspicion of a Bomb Hoax contrary to the Criminal Law Act 1977.
“They are currently being held in police custody.” ACC Thomas Williams stated: “We understand the significant concern this incident has caused parents and the community.
“We treat these reports with utmost seriousness and investigations are ongoing. I would also like to reassure families that there remains no evidence of any individuals attending any of the schools involved posing a threat.
“We continue to work closely with our partners and thank the schools, parents and the wider community for their support and understanding.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.