UPDATE: University of Georgia Says Active Shooter Report Appears to Be a Hoax
The University of Georgia has released an official update on the earlier active shooter alert, confirming that current evidence indicates the incident was likely a hoax.
In a statement posted on the university’s emergency website, officials said:
“This is an Emergency UGA Police Alert Message for the Athens Campus. Police are on scene at Library, at this time evidence suggests a hoax. Please continue to avoid this area. First responders are on the scene. More information will be posted at emergency.uga.edu as it becomes available. Please do not call emergency numbers for information.”
Authorities are still on-site to ensure safety, and updates will be provided as the situation develops.
The University of Georgia issued an urgent emergency alert Friday evening following reports of an armed active shooter inside the Main Library on the Athens campus. The alert was sent out at 8:51 PM after law enforcement received reports of an armed individual near the library located on South Jackson Street.
UGA Issues Emergency Alert
The official UGA Police alert stated:
“This is an Emergency UGA Police Alert Message for the Athens Campus. There has been a report of an armed shooter in the area of Main Library. Please avoid this area. First responders are on the scene. More information will be posted at emergency.uga.edu as it becomes available. Please do not call emergency numbers for information.”
Emergency UGA Athens Police Alert: Report of an armed shooter at Main Library. Avoid this area. Information at https://t.co/xlRLzpoCnz.
— UGA (@universityofga) August 30, 2025
Officials have urged students, faculty, and staff to avoid the area and shelter in place while law enforcement responds to the situation. Authorities also requested that people refrain from calling emergency numbers to keep lines open for critical communications.
Law Enforcement Responds to Campus Threat
According to the UGA Police Department, multiple first responders are currently on scene. Athens-Clarke County Police have also been deployed to assist. The situation remains active and under investigation, and no official confirmation has been given on injuries or suspect status.
University of Georgia Campus on High Alert
The Main Library, one of the busiest locations on campus, was placed on lockdown as precautionary measures were enforced. Students on social media reported heavy police presence and sirens near South Jackson Street.
What We Know So Far
- The alert was issued at 8:51 PM on Friday.
- The armed shooter was reportedly near the Main Library.
- Authorities are asking everyone to avoid the area.
- No confirmed injuries have been reported as of now.
- Updates will be posted on emergency.uga.edu.
Developing Story
The University of Georgia, one of the oldest and largest public universities in the state, has placed safety as its top priority during this emergency response. This is a developing story, and more updates will be provided as information becomes available.
