False Active Shooter Reports Cause Panic at Villanova University and UTC
VILLANOVA, Pa. — On Thursday, the fall semester began with a sense of panic at Villanova University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga due to false active shooter reports.
In Villanova, a 911 call made around 4:30 p.m. claimed there was a shooter in a law school building, allegedly with one person injured. Soon after, students received alarming texts urging them to lock their doors and seek safe locations.
The university president, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, later confirmed that the situation was a hoax, stating, “Mercifully, no one was injured, and we now know it was a cruel prank.”
Earlier that day, UTC also faced a lockdown after reports of a possible shooter in the university center or library. Officials instructed students to “Run. Hide. Fight,” but after thorough investigation by law enforcement, the lockdown was lifted in under an hour with no threat found.
At Villanova, the situation escalated from several calls about a man armed with an AR-15-style weapon. Delaware County officials noted the initial call even included sounds resembling gunfire. This led police to search the campus thoroughly, raising fears among students and parents.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed concern, commenting on social media that it was “every parent’s nightmare and every student’s biggest fear.” He directed state police to investigate vigorously to find and punish those responsible for the false claims.
For families, the day was stressful. Courtenay Harris Bond was with her husband and son, a freshman, when the news spread about the supposed shooter. She remarked, “Really tough way to start freshman year at college.”
Villanova University, a private Catholic institution located in the affluent Philadelphia suburbs, has garnered extra attention this year due to its connection with new Pope Leo XIV.
Authorities are now focused on ensuring the safety and security of students and staff, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding these misleading threats.
