A shelter-in-place order was issued on Wednesday at UMass Lowell after reports of a man carrying a possible firearm near Riverview Suites on South Campus.
Parents and students expressed fear as police swarmed the area, canceling classes and events for the day.
The university explained:
“Police from UMass Lowell and the city of Lowell were alerted this afternoon to reports of a male on South Campus carrying an object suspected of being a firearm. There was no report of a shooting. A campus-wide shelter-in-place order has been issued as UMass Lowell and city police attempt to find this individual. State police have been dispatched to campus, as well.”
Update: Police Confirm No Active Shooter
Later in the evening, police confirmed there was no active shooter and no shots were fired on campus. The investigation began after a video circulated on social media, appearing to show a person with a gun near South Campus.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, but stressed there was no direct threat to students.
Parents Voice Concern
The alert caused widespread panic among families. One parent said:
“My son is a student there and just texted me…”
Another wrote on X:
“My son let us know that Umass Lowell is in full lockdown due to a man with what appears to have been a long gun walking around the campus.”
FBI, State, and Local Police Respond
The FBI Boston office urged caution:
“We encourage the public to remain vigilant and avoid the area.”
The Massachusetts State Police also released a statement:
“We are aware of a video circulating of a person who appears to be armed walking in Lowell near the Riverview Suites on Middlesex Street. State and Local Police have responded to the area to further investigate. Anyone with relevant information should call 911.”
Rep. Lori Trahan Monitoring Situation
Congresswoman Lori Trahan posted on X:
“I’m actively monitoring the alert of a potentially armed individual near UMass Lowell’s South Campus and in touch with local officials. If you are in Lowell, please follow directions from Lowell Police Department (Official) and UMass Lowell.”
Sports Events Canceled
UMass Lowell also announced the women’s soccer game against Central Connecticut State University was canceled due to the shelter-in-place order.
The River Hawks are next scheduled to face Boston University on Sunday, Sept. 7, pending further updates.
Campus on Edge After Recent Shootings
The false alarm comes in the wake of recent campus-related shootings nationwide, including the tragic school-affiliated church shooting in Minneapolis earlier this week, where two children were killed.
While officials stress there was no active shooter at UMass Lowell, the lockdown highlights the heightened sense of caution on college campuses.
