UMass Lowell, Lowell, September 4, 2025
News Summary
The University of Massachusetts Lowell lifted a campus lockdown following reports of an armed individual, which lasted over two hours on the academic term’s first day. Authorities confirmed no injuries and found no evidence of gunfire. A significant police presence, including local and federal agencies, was deployed to investigate the situation. Counseling services were made available to students experiencing fear after the incident. Investigators are still searching for the suspect described as an Asian male, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall.
Lowell
Campus lockdown lifted after report of armed individual; no injuries reported
The University of Massachusetts Lowell campus lockdown was lifted Wednesday afternoon after law enforcement determined the person reported to be armed had left the area. The lockdown, which began on the first day of classes, lasted for more than two hours and prompted shelter-in-place orders and the cancellation of all classes and campus events during the incident.
Key facts
- Lockdown status: Lifted Wednesday afternoon after police concluded the suspect was no longer on campus.
- Injuries: No injuries were reported and there was no evidence of gunfire; authorities stated the event was not an active shooter incident.
- Duration: The lockdown lasted over two hours and affected the start of the academic term.
- Investigative status: Investigators continue to search for a suspect described as an Asian male, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall.
What happened and immediate response
Campus alerts directed students, faculty and staff to shelter in place after a report of a person possibly armed with a gun near the Riverview Suites residence hall. Video circulated online that reportedly shows a person with an object resembling a firearm; police are working to authenticate the footage as part of the investigation.
A large law enforcement response remained on site while the investigation continued. Agencies involved included the university police, local police, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), state police, a SWAT team, and support units using drones and police dogs. About 100 officers were deployed to assist with searches, secure campus buildings and provide a visible presence to protect the community.
Safety measures and campus impact
Residence halls had officers stationed overnight as an added precaution. The lockdown led to immediate cancellation of classes and events for the day, with a full class schedule resuming on Thursday. Counseling and crisis support services were made available to students and staff affected by the incident. Local schools in the surrounding area were also placed on precautionary lockdown while police conducted their investigation on and near South Campus.
Community reaction and context
Many students reported experiencing fear and concern after seeing the online video and receiving emergency alerts during lectures. Freshmen and other students gathered in groups to stay safe during the shelter-in-place orders, and several sought counseling services after the lockdown ended. Public officials monitored the situation and coordinated with local law enforcement to support the response and investigation.
Ongoing investigation and public guidance
Investigators continue to pursue leads to locate the individual described by witnesses. Authorities have asked anyone with information or video related to the incident to contact Lowell police. State police reminded the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement rather than attempting to investigate on their own.
Background
University campuses often review and exercise emergency response protocols at the start of terms. The presence of multiple federal, state and local agencies on site reflects standard procedure for incidents reported as involving a weapon, even when later assessment shows no active shooter or evidence of shots fired. The quick shelter-in-place orders and extensive police response aimed to reduce risk while investigators verified threats and assessed video and witness reports.
FAQ
Was anyone hurt during the incident?
No injuries were reported and authorities confirmed no evidence of gunfire; the event was not classified as an active shooter incident.
How long was the campus on lockdown?
The lockdown lasted for more than two hours on the first day of classes before being lifted Wednesday afternoon.
Is the suspect in custody?
Investigators are still searching for the suspect, described as an Asian male about 5 feet 5 inches tall; law enforcement believes the individual left the area.
What agencies responded to the incident?
Response included university police, local police, state police, the FBI, the ATF, a SWAT team, drones and police dogs, and roughly 100 officers were deployed to assist.
Are classes resuming and what support is available?
Classes fully resumed on Thursday. Counseling and crisis appointments were made available to affected students and staff.
How can the public provide information?
Anyone with information or videos related to the incident is asked to contact Lowell police to assist the ongoing investigation.
Quick reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location affected | UMass Lowell South Campus, including Riverview Suites residence hall |
| Incident type | Report of person suspected to be armed; later determined not to be active shooter; no gunfire evidence |
| Lockdown duration | Over two hours on the first day of classes; lifted Wednesday afternoon |
| Suspect description | Asian male, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall (investigation ongoing) |
| Injuries | No injuries reported |
| Police response | About 100 officers, plus FBI, ATF, SWAT, drones and K-9 units |
| Support services | Counseling and crisis appointments available on campus |
| How to help | Contact Lowell police with information or video related to the incident |
| Safety advice | Remain vigilant; report suspicious activity to law enforcement |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Wikipedia: University of Massachusetts Lowell
- People
- Google Search: UMass Lowell incident September 2025
- WMUR
- Google Scholar: UMass Lowell campus safety
- Boston Herald
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Campus Security
- CBS News
- Google News: UMass Lowell armed individual
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