CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – A tense afternoon unfolded on Thursday when reports of an active shooter situation at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) prompted a massive police response and campus-wide evacuations.
According to university officials and law enforcement updates, the initial report of a possible active shooter came in around 1:51 p.m. Within minutes, officers were deployed across the UTC campus, with at least one officer positioned inside every building to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff.
Authorities confirmed that, at that time, no suspect had been located and no injuries had been reported. Students and faculty were directed to evacuate safely while police began systematically clearing each building.
By 1:52 p.m., officials announced that all buildings on campus had been cleared and all students had been evacuated safely. Despite the rapid response, no suspect was ever located and no evidence of a shooting was immediately found.
As a precautionary measure, at 2:00 p.m., UTC announced that all classes had been canceled for the remainder of the day. Alarms were reset after the buildings were secured. Law enforcement officers remained on campus for several hours to maintain a strong security presence and reassure the university community.
While the situation ended without any physical harm, the incident sparked fear and confusion among students and parents, many of whom received urgent calls and texts during the lockdown. Social media quickly filled with posts from students sheltering in place, parents expressing worry, and community members asking for prayers.
University officials have since confirmed that no active threat was identified, but investigations remain ongoing to determine the source of the initial report. Authorities emphasized that safety remains their top priority and praised the swift response of law enforcement, which likely prevented further panic or potential harm.
UTC released a statement expressing gratitude for the cooperation of students, faculty, and staff during the evacuation. They also urged the campus community to continue reporting any suspicious activity to police immediately, reminding students that “safety is a shared responsibility.”
The scare comes amid heightened sensitivity across college campuses nationwide, where active shooter drills, lockdowns, and safety alerts have become increasingly common. Mental health and counseling services were made available to any students or staff affected by the fear and anxiety of the incident.
Though no injuries occurred, Thursday’s events will leave a lasting mark on the UTC community, serving as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and rapid response in emergency situations.
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