Thursday afternoon turned tense at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga when a false alarm sparked a massive law enforcement response.
Just before 12:45 PM, students and staff were jolted by an emergency alert warning of an active shooter on campus.
The alert instructed everyone to “run, hide, or fight,” sending waves of fear through the community.
Students Shelter as Police Sweep Campus
Reports initially suggested a possible shooter inside the campus library, prompting dozens of officers to converge on the scene.
Students and faculty were told to remain in place and not move unless directed by law enforcement.
Social media posts and photos from the scene captured lines of students evacuating the library while officers stood with weapons drawn, ensuring the safety of everyone present.
Authorities Confirm No Threat
By just before 2 PM EST, authorities were able to calm nerves with a reassuring update: the campus was “ALL CLEAR.”
Police confirmed there was no evidence of any threat, and the lockdown was officially lifted.
Despite the scare, classes and activities were canceled for the rest of the day, with normal schedules resuming the following morning at 8 AM.
City-Wide Precautions End
The Chattanooga Police Department also reported that lockdowns affecting city buildings were lifted, and all municipal facilities returned to standard operations.
Residents were encouraged to stay tuned for further updates, though the immediate danger had passed.
Students Reflect on the Experience
While the threat turned out to be a false alarm, the incident left a strong impression on those at UTC.
Students described the chaotic moments as they followed police instructions, highlighting the importance of staying calm and vigilant during emergencies.
The university has since emphasized ongoing safety protocols to ensure preparedness in case of future incidents.
