Boston, September 12, 2025
News Summary
The University of Massachusetts Boston has been declared safe following a false alarm regarding gunfire that prompted a large law enforcement response and evacuation of buildings. No injuries were reported, and police confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community. The situation unfolded around 3:45 p.m. when reports of shots fired emerged near a residence hall, leading to immediate action from police and campus safety personnel. Classes were canceled as a precaution, and investigations are ongoing.
Boston — The University of Massachusetts Boston campus was declared safe by police at approximately 5:10 p.m. on the day of an unconfirmed shooting report that prompted a large law enforcement response and evacuation of several buildings. Authorities said there was no ongoing threat to the community and no injuries reported after the investigation.
What happened
Police and campus officials responded after a report of shots fired near 240 Morrissey Boulevard, close to a residence hall in the East Building. The report was made at about 3:45 p.m.. Multiple law enforcement units, including the Massachusetts State Police, converged on the area and coordinated with UMass Boston public-safety teams to secure the campus and investigate the scene.
Immediate campus response
The university issued a sequence of emergency alerts describing the situation as a public safety threat at multiple campus locations and advised people to avoid affected areas, including the Campus Center and nearby residence halls. Campus video broadcast of the response showed employees and students evacuating with hands raised. Students in some buildings were told by police to exit with hands up, and others reported barricading themselves in rooms after receiving safety alerts.
Law enforcement actions
Police described the scene as active while multiple units investigated. Officers entered buildings with rifles drawn during the response, a sign officials characterized as reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Boston EMS had several units staged at the campus to stand ready for any injuries, though none were reported.
Campus operations and safety measures
As a precaution during the investigation, UMass Boston canceled all evening classes and activities for the day. The university community was urged to follow instructions from police and campus public-safety personnel. University announcements directed anyone with relevant information to report to police and reminded people to call 911 to report suspicious activity.
Outcome and community impact
After the multi-agency response, police declared the campus clear at approximately 5:10 p.m.. Authorities said their investigation addressed the initial report, and there was no ongoing threat to students, faculty, staff, or visitors. The university confirmed the staged EMS units and reiterated that no injuries were reported. The disruption resulted in canceled classes and heightened concern among campus residents and commuters until police completed their work.
Context and campus information
UMass Boston reported total enrollment of about 15,575 students for the Fall 2024 semester. The campus at Morrissey Boulevard houses academic facilities and residential buildings that required coordinated safety protocols during the incident. The university and law enforcement agencies typically use layered alert systems—text, email, social channels, and outdoor sirens—when responding to potential threats to campus safety.
What investigators are doing next
Authorities continue to investigate the origin and credibility of the initial shooting report. Investigators are interviewing witnesses, reviewing video and other evidence, and canvassing the area around the reported location. Anyone with information relevant to the incident is asked to contact police to assist the ongoing investigation.
Practical advice for students and campus visitors
- Follow official alerts from campus public-safety channels and local law enforcement.
- If you encounter suspicious activity, call 911 immediately.
- When directed by police during an active response, comply with instructions such as leaving buildings with hands visible or sheltering in place if advised.
- Check official university communications for updates on class schedules and facility access after an incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was anyone injured in the incident?
No injuries were reported. Boston EMS units were staged at the campus as a precaution.
When was the situation declared all clear?
Police declared the campus all clear at approximately 5:10 p.m., after a multi-agency investigation.
Where did the report originate?
The report of shots fired was made near 240 Morrissey Boulevard, close to a residence hall in the East Building. The report was unconfirmed and remains under investigation.
Who responded to the incident?
The Massachusetts State Police and UMass Boston public-safety personnel responded, supported by multiple law enforcement units and Boston EMS resources.
Are classes affected?
All evening classes and activities were canceled as a precaution during the investigation. Students should check official university channels for updates on rescheduling and campus access.
How can people provide information to investigators?
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact police. If there is immediate suspicion or danger, call 911.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of report | Near 240 Morrissey Boulevard, UMass Boston (East Building area) |
| Initial report time | About 3:45 p.m. |
| All-clear time | Approximately 5:10 p.m. |
| Injuries | No injuries reported |
| Responding agencies | Massachusetts State Police, UMass Boston public-safety, other law enforcement units, Boston EMS |
| Campus actions | Evacuations, shelter-in-place instructions, cancellation of evening classes and activities |
| Fall 2024 enrollment | Approximately 15,575 students |
| How to report information | Contact police or call 911 for suspicious or emergent activity |
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Additional Resources
- WCVB: UMass Boston Emergency Response
- Wikipedia: Active Shooter
- Dorchester Post: Emergency Alert at UMass Boston
- Google Search: UMass Boston Active Shooter Report
- Newsweek: UMass Boston Active Shooter Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- Western Mass News: Police Investigating Shots Fired at UMass Boston
- Google News: UMass Boston Shots Fired
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
