@hayhor Oh no even if it's kids they'll likely face criminal charges. It just won't be as severe punishment. It depends on their age and the state they are in amongst other things. They do not mess around with that kind of thing. But if they are 15-17 they can likely be tried as adults.
I feel bad for the parents, because if it was a kid and they trace it back to the house. The parents can ultimately be held liable for any damages that were caused. They won't be held criminally responsible, but they can be held financially responsible.
One 17 year old was hit with 77 charges, 40 of which were felonies.
3 other adults were charged with federal charges and likely life in prison for a swatting hoax that resulted in the death of the person they swatted.
Definitely not a nothing burger.. VPN and spoofers are not full proof and can still be traced, it just depends on the resources the PD/DA want to put into the investigation.