A recent hoax caused panic at Villanova University, forcing students to shelter in place. University President Rev. Peter Donohue confirmed that the active shooter alert was false. Thankfully, no injuries occurred, and there were no firearms on campus.
The alert began when the Department of Public Safety received an anonymous tip about an active shooter in the law school around 4:30 p.m. Students were quickly told to lock their doors and stay inside. Videos on social media showed students rushing to safety.
After law enforcement searched the campus, they declared the threat a hoax. A follow-up message informed students that it was safe to exit their locations.
In a statement, the university acknowledged the disruption the false report caused as the school year began. They expressed gratitude for the swift response from their Public Safety team and local law enforcement. Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer confirmed that his office and the FBI would investigate the hoax. He emphasized that such actions are crimes, stating, “We will track you down.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro condemned the hoax, labeling it illegal and ordering an urgent investigation to find those responsible. “This was a nightmare for parents and students alike, but thankfully, no one was harmed,” he noted.
Professor Brandon Ambrosino shared that communication was challenging during the incident. Most faculty were not present as students had just moved in, leaving many uncertain about what was happening.
Witness Courtenay Harris Bond, who was with her family near the scene, described it as a tough start to her son’s freshman year. The incident reflects a troubling trend; hoaxes like this have increased in recent years as technology makes it easier to spread false information quickly.
A similar event occurred at a high school in Texas earlier this year, where an anonymous call prompted a massive police response but turned out to be another false alarm. According to recent surveys, nearly 60% of college students reported feeling less safe on campus compared to previous years, highlighting the growing concern over safety in educational institutions.
As society grapples with these issues, it becomes clear that spreading false threats endangers real lives and causes unnecessary panic. Awareness and vigilance are essential in navigating today’s challenges.
For additional information on campus safety and resources, you can visit the U.S. Department of Education’s site on Campus Safety.
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