Reports of an active shooter at the University of South Florida (USF) Tampa campus circulated on social media Saturday, prompting concern and heavy police presence.
What We Know So Far
Social media posts claimed that an active shooter alert was issued on campus, with one user stating they were asked to evacuate after shots were allegedly fired in the library.
The Tampa Police Department has not yet released an official statement regarding the situation.
Videos Show Police Presence at USF
Locals and students shared videos online showing multiple law enforcement vehicles near the campus and even a helicopter overhead, signaling a serious response to the reported threat.
Shooting at Usf library pic.twitter.com/zM4qXMFwrA
— Tamakii (@Tamakiibr) August 30, 2025
How USF Alert System Works
The University of South Florida operates AlertUSF, a comprehensive Emergency Notification System (ENS) designed to inform and protect the campus community during emergencies.
The system uses multiple channels for communication, including text alerts, emails, and social media, ensuring quick dissemination of critical information.
When a potential threat is reported:
- USF officials verify the situation with law enforcement
- Evaluate community safety and determine what details to share
- Send alerts to students, faculty, and staff
Notifications may sometimes be delayed if immediate updates could interfere with emergency response or victim assistance.
Current Status
As of now, no official confirmation has been provided regarding shots fired or arrests made. Students and residents are advised to stay updated through official USF alerts and avoid spreading unverified information.
