The University of Virginia (UVA) was placed on high alert Monday afternoon after reports of an active shooter near Shannon Library, located at 160 McCormick Road in Charlottesville, Virginia.
According to the UVA Police Department, a campus-wide alert was sent out urging students, faculty, and staff to “Run, Hide, Fight” as law enforcement responded to the developing situation.
Police Lock Down Campus Buildings
Authorities confirmed that all university buildings were locked down, allowing entry only for individuals with authorized key cards or university IDs. Police have not yet confirmed whether shots were fired on campus, but the situation remains under investigation.
In an official post on X (formerly Twitter), UVA Police stated: “UVA Emergency Alert: ACTIVE ATTACKER with a gun reported in area of Shannon Library 160 McCormick Road. RUN HIDE FIGHT”
3:17 PM UVA Emergency Alert: Police on scene at Shannon Library continuing to investigate. Academic buildings on Grounds are going to Access Control only. RUN-HIDE-FIGHT
— UVA Police Division (@UVAPolice) November 3, 2025
Ongoing Investigation and Campus Lockdown
Latest police radio updates suggest multiple gunshots were heard, and reports now indicate two potential suspects near Shannon Library. Tactical teams, including SWAT units, are currently sweeping the area while students remain in lockdown under ongoing “RUN, HIDE, FIGHT” alerts.
What’s Known So Far:
- Around 3 PM local time (~20:00 UTC), gunfire was reportedly heard near Shannon Library, central to the UVA campus.
- Law enforcement response includes UVA Police, SWAT, K9, and drone units.
- The search area has expanded toward nearby academic buildings.
Why the Incident Matters
Thousands of students, staff, and visitors have been urged to stay indoors, lock doors, and remain silent as the investigation continues. The event adds to a growing number of U.S. campus emergency responses in recent weeks, raising concerns over student safety nationwide.
Police are still gathering information and have advised the public to avoid the area and follow verified UVA Police alerts for official updates and the eventual all-clear signal.
