A routine welcome for incoming students at Villanova University quickly turned into chaos on Thursday when a false report of a gunman sparked fear across campus.
What was meant to be a celebratory Orientation Mass became a scene of panic as students, faculty, and families scrambled for safety.
False Alarm Sends Students Running
The scare began when someone reported a man with an automatic rifle inside the law school library.
Students and staff immediately fled the area, with a second alert instructing people to avoid the law school and to lock or barricade doors.
Heavily armed officers rushed to the scene, moving through Scarpa Hall to search for the supposed shooter and any potential victims—though none were found.
University Officials Confirm Hoax
Eventually, officials confirmed there was never an active shooter on campus.
“Today, as we were celebrating Orientation Mass to welcome our newest Villanovans and their families, panic and terror ensued with the news of a possible shooter,” said Rev. Peter M. Donohue, university president.
“Mercifully, no one was injured and we now know it was a cruel hoax. There were no firearms on campus.”
He added that while it was a relief, the event had shaken the entire community.
Donohue thanked local law enforcement and the university staff for their calm and compassionate response during the frightening ordeal.
He also offered an apology to first-year students and their families for the traumatic introduction to campus life.
Students Hide and Barricade Themselves
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene. One parent told Fox 29 that during an outdoor Mass, the priest abruptly stopped speaking and left the altar.
Rumors of a shooter quickly spread, and students began running for cover.
Photos and videos shared online showed students hiding in utility closets and barricading doors to stay safe.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer told CBS News that campus lockdown procedures were immediately enacted and officers were searching buildings.
“We’re going to get to the bottom of this. We’re going to make this campus safe,” he vowed.
Law Enforcement Responds Swiftly
NBC Philadelphia footage showed heavily armed officers entering a campus building, while 6 ABC reported that armored vehicles were positioned nearby.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed that state police and federal law enforcement also responded, urging residents to avoid the area and follow local authorities’ instructions.
The Radnor Township Police Department maintained updates via social media, instructing students and nearby residents to shelter in place until officers could safely guide them.
Nearby schools, including those in the Lower Merion School District, also took precautions by moving students and staff indoors.
Villanova Community Reacts
Villanova University, a private Catholic institution in Philadelphia’s affluent Main Line suburbs, borders Lower Merion and Radnor Townships.
Orientation and registration for new students began Thursday and will continue through Saturday, with classes starting Monday.
While no one was harmed, Thursday’s events left an indelible mark on the campus community, underscoring the lasting impact of modern-day hoaxes.
