What was supposed to be a celebratory start to the new school year at Villanova University turned frightening when a false report of an active shooter triggered a massive law enforcement response and forced students to shelter in place on the first day of orientation.
The Hoax and Immediate Response
Around 4:35 p.m. ET Thursday, during an opening Mass for first-year students and families, the university’s alert system sent out a chilling warning:
“ACTIVE SHOOTER on VU campus. Move to secure location. Lock/barricade doors. More info to follow.”
The report claimed a shooter was inside the Charles Widger School of Law and that someone had been wounded.
Within minutes, local police, state authorities, and federal agents swarmed the campus. Armed officers even took positions on rooftops as buildings were cleared.
But after an intensive search, no shooter, victims, or weapons were found.
Campus Impact
Villanova’s president, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, called the incident a “cruel hoax” in a letter to students and families.
Orientation activities were immediately canceled for the day.
Events are expected to resume Friday, with classes beginning Monday.
Donohue acknowledged the panic caused: “While it is a blessing and relief, I know today’s events have shaken our entire community. This is not the introduction to Villanova that I had hoped for you.”
Authorities Promise Accountability
Officials have vowed to aggressively pursue the person behind the hoax.
Gov. Josh Shapiro said he directed state police to “use every tool at our disposal” to track down the perpetrator.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer confirmed his office, the FBI, and state investigators are involved: “We will track you down if it’s the last thing we do.”
Part of a Larger Trend
The Villanova hoax came just hours after a similar false shooter alert locked down the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Police there also found no evidence of a threat, and investigators believe it may have been a case of swatting.
Swatting is a dangerous criminal hoax where false emergency reports are made to provoke a SWAT-style police response. It has been on the FBI’s radar since the mid-2000s and has grown in frequency, sometimes motivated by revenge, disruption, or even overseas pranks.
Community Shaken, but Relieved
While no one was harmed at Villanova, the incident rattled students and families during what was meant to be a joyful day.
Gov. Shapiro summarized the emotional toll:
“I know today was every parent’s worst nightmare, and every student’s biggest fear. I am profoundly grateful no one was hurt.”
