VILLANOVA, Pa. — Panic swept across Villanova University Thursday afternoon when an active shooter alert was issued during freshmen orientation for the Class of 2029, prompting students, staff, and faculty to shelter in place. Hours later, university officials confirmed the threat was a hoax that triggered a large-scale emergency response.
The incident began when the university’s emergency alert system sent out a shelter-in-place order, instructing individuals on campus to lock and barricade doors, avoid windows, and remain inside secure locations. The alert specifically warned the community to stay away from the Charles Widger School of Law at Scarpa Hall, where the potential threat was first reported.
Witness accounts indicated that multiple individuals believed they had heard gunfire near the law school. In response, students fled across campus, some sprinting into dorms or academic buildings while others crouched beneath desks, awaiting updates from law enforcement.
Within minutes, local police, campus security, and county law enforcement officers converged on campus, conducting a methodical search of Scarpa Hall and nearby buildings. Emergency vehicles lined Lancaster Avenue as officials established a perimeter to contain the potential threat.
Initial unconfirmed reports suggested there may have been a possible gunshot victim, though law enforcement has since confirmed no injuries occurred and no evidence of a firearm discharge was found.
By early evening, Villanova University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, issued a statement confirming the incident was the result of a “cruel hoax” designed to incite fear and disrupt the university community.
“This deliberate act of deception placed our students, faculty, staff, and their families under immense distress on what should have been a joyful and welcoming day,” President Donohue said. “We are thankful for the swift and coordinated response of law enforcement and relieved that no one was physically harmed. However, the emotional toll is undeniable.”
The shelter-in-place order was officially lifted once law enforcement cleared the buildings and deemed the area safe. Classes, orientation activities, and campus operations are expected to resume Friday with increased security and counseling services available for anyone impacted by the false alarm.
Investigators are now working to trace the origin of the hoax, which officials say could carry serious criminal charges. False reports of active shooters have become an increasing concern nationwide, straining emergency resources and spreading panic across communities.
Villanova leaders urged students and families to remain vigilant and to always take safety alerts seriously, despite this false report.
“We would rather our community respond with caution to every alert than dismiss a warning that turns out to be real,” Donohue said.
The Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and federal partners are assisting in the ongoing investigation to determine who was responsible for the false report.
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