Disneyland Hotel active shooter hoax draws significant police response

Dozens of Anaheim Police officers with guns drawn responded to reports of an active shooter at the Disneyland Hotel during the busy Christmas season that turned out to be a dangerous hoax played by teenagers or young people, according to officials.

The Anaheim Police Department responded with a “significant police response” at 6:10 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21 after receiving reports of an active shooter at or near the Disneyland Hotel, according to Anaheim Police spokesperson Sgt. Jon McClintock.

“Responding officers quickly determined the report was a hoax,” according to the official Anaheim Police Instagram account. “Officers thoroughly checked the area and did not locate any evidence a shooting occurred.”

There was no evidence of a shooting or anyone armed at the Disneyland Hotel, according to police officials.

The Fantasy Tower of the Disneyland Hotel was affected, according to Disneyland officials.

“There is currently no threat to the Disneyland resort or the surrounding area,” according to the Anaheim Police Instagram account. “There will be an increased police presence at the Disneyland resort and surrounding area throughout the evening.”

There’s over a dozen police cars and a helicopter and they’re not letting anyone into the Disneyland Hotel https://t.co/5GtlcMrtjO pic.twitter.com/K1HbQ3QJB7

— Disney Scoop Matt (@DisneyScoopGuy) December 22, 2023

Disney Scoop Matt posted on Twitter that police and security were preventing anyone from entering the Disneyland Hotel.

“A bunch of cops are walking around with big guns and we just heard a police dog barking aggressively,” Disney Scoop Matt posted on Twitter. “They’re not even letting cast members up to the hotel.”

A Disneyland Hotel guest named Jasmine posted on Twitter that she was evacuated from the hotel at 6:41 p.m.

“There’s so many helicopters currently surrounding DTD / the Disneyland hotel and a heavy police presence,” Jasmine posted on Twitter. “There are many security guards, police, and Disney executives everywhere surrounding the hotel and everyone in the area was evacuated.”