A terrifying false report of an active shooter disrupted Villanova University’s opening day, prompting a massive police response and campus lockdown. Authorities later confirmed the call was a hoax and are now working to identify and prosecute the individual responsible.
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VILLANOVA, PA (3-minute read) — Villanova University’s campus was thrown into chaos Thursday afternoon when a false report of an active shooter at the Charles Widger School of Law led to a swift and heavy police response. The incident, which occurred during orientation events, turned out to be a hoax that law enforcement now describes as a “cruel” and criminal act.
Around 4:30 p.m., university officials issued a campus-wide alert warning of a potential active shooter, urging students and staff to seek shelter, lock doors, and remain barricaded. The alert came during a Mass being held for incoming students and families. Police from multiple agencies, including Radnor Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania State Police, and federal partners, arrived on the scene within minutes.
By 5:47 p.m., officials confirmed there were no injuries and no signs of an actual shooter. Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer publicly announced that the emergency was based on a false 911 call claiming there was a wounded victim inside the law school. He emphasized that this kind of hoax is not just disruptive, it’s a serious crime.
“We will track you down if it’s the last thing we do,” Stollsteimer warned, adding that the university remained under investigation as lockdowns began to lift.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro responded to the incident on social media, expressing gratitude that no one was harmed and confirming that state authorities are using all available resources to locate the person behind the call.
Villanova Not Alone: False Shooter Threats Spread to Other Campuses
Interestingly, this wasn’t the only false alarm on Thursday. Earlier in the day, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga also issued and later rescinded an active shooter alert after determining it was a false threat. No evidence of gunfire or injuries was found.
Events like these not only create widespread panic but also place immense strain on emergency resources and disrupt the sense of safety on campus. For students, particularly incoming freshmen, the experience was jarring. Villanova President Rev. Peter Donohue expressed deep regret to families, noting, “This is not the introduction to Villanova that I had hoped for you.”
Law enforcement remains committed to finding the person responsible, and both universities are resuming normal operations.
Safety Tip: Familiarize yourself with your school or workplace’s emergency response plan. Know where to shelter, how to barricade, and how to report credible threats effectively. False alarms are dangerous not only because they cause panic, but also because they can dull our readiness to respond to real threats.
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