Villanova University on high alert after active shooter hoax; students and faculty face panic during orientation todayheadline

Villanova University in Pennsylvania was the site of a reported active shooter situation that prompted a campus-wide lockdown and a significant law enforcement response. The incident, which occurred on the first day of new student orientation, led to widespread panic among students and faculty. However, authorities later confirmed that the threat was a “cruel hoax,” with no evidence of a shooter or victims found on campus.

Initial alerts and campus response

At approximately 4:30 pm ET, the university issued an emergency alert instructing students and staff to “move to a secure location” and “lock/barricade doors.” The alert specifically warned individuals to avoid Scarpa Hall, the law school building. Radnor Township Police Department confirmed their presence on campus, advising all nearby residents and students to shelter in place.Social media posts from students depicted scenes of chaos, with individuals hiding in classrooms and utility closets, awaiting further instructions. One student shared a video of a university representative informing them that shots had possibly been fired in the law school library. However, this claim has not been verified.

Law enforcement agencies, including local police and federal authorities, responded swiftly to the campus. Building sweeps were conducted, and emergency vehicles were seen surrounding the campus. Despite the heavy police presence, no injuries or victims were reported.

Governor Josh Shapiro and other state officials expressed concern over the situation, urging the public to avoid the area and allow law enforcement to manage the response. He vowed to find the people responsible for this act.

University statement

In a statement released later that evening, Villanova University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue confirmed that the active shooter report was a false alarm. He described the incident as a “cruel hoax” and assured the community that there was no threat to campus safety.The false report caused significant distress among students and faculty, especially considering the timing during new student orientation. Approximately 1,800 students had arrived for move-in the day before, and classes were scheduled to begin the following Monday.The university has pledged to review its emergency response protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As of now, law enforcement continues to investigate the origin of the false report. The university has not released further details regarding any potential suspects or motives.