Radnor, Pennsylvania: Panic broke out at Villanova University on Thursday evening when a false report of an active shooter forced students, families, and faculty into lockdown during the Orientation Mass, an event welcoming first-year students. Authorities have since confirmed the emergency alert was a hoax, though the chaos left a deep impact on the campus community.
The incident began around 4:30 p.m. when multiple 911 calls claimed there was an armed person, possibly carrying an AR-15 style weapon, inside the Charles Widger School of Law. Callers even reported that someone had already been shot, and some included what sounded like gunfire in the background. Responding swiftly, university officials sent emergency alerts urging people to seek secure locations and lock or barricade doors.
At the time, hundreds of families were gathered outdoors for the Orientation Mass. Witnesses described scenes of fear and confusion as chairs were knocked over and students rushed to escape what they believed to be a life-threatening attack. Videos shared on social media showed crowds scrambling for cover, reflecting the chaos that gripped the campus.
Within hours, police units, Pennsylvania State Police, Delaware County officials, and the FBI conducted a thorough sweep of the campus. No shooter, weapon, or victims were found. Authorities quickly declared the reports a hoax, lifting the lockdown and announcing an “all clear.”
Villanova University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue condemned the event as a “cruel hoax” and expressed sympathy for students and families traumatized by the false alarm. “Our community was targeted by a malicious act meant to instill fear. Thankfully, no one was harmed,” he said, offering prayers and reassurance to those affected.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer confirmed that the calls were part of a criminal act known as “swatting” and vowed prosecution. “This is a crime. We will track down those responsible,” he said. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also denounced the hoax, directing state police to deploy all available resources to identify the perpetrators.
The incident disrupted one of the university’s most important welcoming events, leaving many first-year students and parents shaken. “It was a parent’s nightmare and a student’s biggest fear,” said one mother who was present during the mass.
Earlier the same day, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga also faced a similar hoax, raising concerns about a wider pattern of swatting incidents targeting universities across the country. Law enforcement agencies are investigating whether these incidents are connected.
Classes at Villanova are set to begin Monday, and officials are reviewing safety measures to reassure students and families. While no injuries occurred, the hoax served as a stark reminder of the psychological toll such threats inflict on communities.