FAYETTEVILLE, Ark — Students at the University of Arkansas experienced a tense and frightening afternoon on Monday when a text alert warned of a possible active shooter near Mullins Library.
The alert, sent to students and staff, advised everyone to avoid the area of the library as campus police and the Fayetteville Police Department responded to reports. University police vehicles were stationed outside Mullins Library, and officers, guns drawn, worked to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Brock Boddie, a junior at the University, recounted the chaos from the third floor of Mullins Library. “I heard people yelling and moving around. Moments later, I received the university alert about a possible active shooter,” Boddie said. Students were quickly escorted to a nearby building for safety. “Armed officers outside the library were ordering students to evacuate. It was frightening, and everyone was very tense,” he added.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office stated that all official updates and information regarding the situation would come through the University of Arkansas Police Department (UAPD) and the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD). Authorities confirmed that, after a thorough search of the library and surrounding areas, no active shooter was found, and the incident was later determined to be a false alarm.
Despite the relief that no one was harmed, students described the emotional impact of the incident. Many expressed fear and anxiety, noting that even when alerts turn out to be false, the panic and stress experienced during the event are very real. “Even knowing it was a false alarm, my heart was racing,” Boddie said. “It really makes you think about how quickly things can feel dangerous.”
University officials emphasized the importance of taking all alerts seriously while also reminding students and staff to stay aware of official communications to prevent the spread of misinformation. Campus safety teams continue to review procedures to ensure that alerts are accurate and effective, aiming to balance urgency with careful verification.
False active shooter alerts like this one are becoming a growing concern across college campuses nationwide, highlighting the challenges authorities face in distinguishing real threats from hoaxes and ensuring student safety.
Officials continue to investigate the source of the alert and are urging anyone with information to contact campus police. The university has also made counseling resources available for students and staff affected by the incident.
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