Villanova Active Shooter Report Was a “Cruel Hoax,” Officials Confirm

Villanova University confirmed Thursday that reports of an active shooter at its law school were false, calling the scare a “cruel hoax” that sparked panic on campus.

“Mercifully, no one was injured, and we now know that it was a cruel hoax — there was no active shooter, no injuries and no evidence of firearms present on campus,” Villanova President Rev. Peter Donohue said in a statement. “While that is a blessing and a relief, I know today’s events have shaken our entire community.”

Panic During Orientation Events

The false report came as the university was holding its orientation mass to welcome new students. Police said they received a call around 4:30 p.m. claiming there was a shooter inside Scarpa Hall, the law school building, and that at least one person had been injured.

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In response, the school issued an urgent active shooter alert, telling students to avoid the building and shelter in place by locking and barricading doors. Heavily armed local and federal officers rushed to campus as fear and confusion spread among students and staff.

A short time later, the university lifted the shelter-in-place order, confirming the threat was unfounded. “The campus is all clear. You no longer need to shelter in place,” the update read.

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Investigations Underway

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said both his office and the FBI will investigate the hoax. “We’re all going to work to try to get to the bottom of who might have done this,” he told reporters.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also weighed in, stressing that such “swatting” calls are crimes. “I know today was every parent’s nightmare, and every student’s biggest fear,” he wrote on X. “I’m profoundly grateful no one was hurt, and thankful to all members of law enforcement who ran towards reports of danger to keep Pennsylvanians safe.”

Radnor Township Police Chief Christopher Flanagan echoed those concerns, saying, “This is a serious issue. It is a crime. It is wrong. We are taking care of that.”

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Another Hoax in Tennessee

The Villanova scare wasn’t the only false alarm that day. Earlier on Thursday, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga also dealt with a bogus active shooter report.

A 911 caller claimed there was an armed attacker on campus around 12:30 p.m., prompting an immediate lockdown. Students and staff were told to “Run. Hide. Fight.” as multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, swept the campus.

No injuries or evidence of a shooting were found there either, the university later confirmed. That case too remains under investigation.

A Growing Concern

Villanova’s campus, located about 12 miles from downtown Philadelphia, has now joined the growing list of U.S. colleges targeted by dangerous hoax calls. Officials say they are determined to track down whoever made Thursday’s threats and hold them accountable.