VILLANOVA, Pa. — What began as a chaotic and frightening afternoon for students, families, and staff at Villanova University on Thursday turned out to be a “cruel hoax,” university officials confirmed.
The incident unfolded during the university’s new student move-in day when reports of an active shooter prompted immediate emergency alerts across campus. Students and visitors, including families helping their children settle into dorms, were instructed to lock and barricade themselves in their rooms, classrooms, and other secure locations.
Multiple individuals on campus reported hearing gunfire, contributing to widespread panic and confusion. Authorities, including the Radnor Township Police Department, responded swiftly to the reported scene near the Charles Widger School of Law at Scarpa Hall, implementing safety protocols to protect the campus community.
Villanova University President issued a statement later in the afternoon, confirming that no actual threat existed and describing the event as a “cruel hoax” intended to create fear and disruption. While no injuries were reported, the impact of the false alarm on students, parents, and staff was significant, with many recounting moments of intense fear as they sought shelter and tried to contact loved ones.
Emergency responders praised the quick thinking of the university community, noting that following the shelter-in-place instructions likely prevented potential harm in what could have been a far more dangerous scenario had the threat been real. The university has stated that all safety protocols were executed successfully and that the campus has since returned to normal operations.
Authorities continue to investigate the source of the hoax and are urging anyone with information to contact the Radnor Township Police Department. The university emphasized that it will review the incident to strengthen campus security measures and ensure the safety of all members of the community during future events.
The scare highlights the growing concern over false active shooter reports and their ability to create mass panic, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, rapid response, and clear communication during emergency situations.
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