September 16, 2025

UMass Boston Declares All-Clear After Police Incident

News Summary

The University of Massachusetts Boston issued an all-clear after a police response to an unconfirmed shooting report on campus. Though significant police presence was observed, there were no signs of gunfire or injuries. Students were instructed to avoid certain areas, leading to chaos as the situation unfolded. Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco acknowledged the distressing nature of the incident and made counseling services available. The situation at UMass Boston was confirmed not related to similar alerts at nearby universities, emphasizing ongoing concerns about safety on college campuses.

Boston — The University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) declared an all-clear Thursday evening after a significant police presence emerged in response to an unconfirmed shooting report on campus. By approximately 5:15 p.m. ET, the university confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to its community following the initial scare.

The incident began at around 4:15 p.m. ET when Massachusetts State Police were alerted to a possible shooting incident. The university initially described the situation as a “police incident” occurring near the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. Alerts issued later indicated that the reported “safety threat” had shifted locations to the vicinity of the East Building residence hall and the Campus Center, prompting campus officials to take precautionary measures.

Students received instructions to avoid the affected areas while law enforcement agencies, including Boston police and Massachusetts State Police, was deployed to respond to the situation comprehensively. Out of an abundance of caution, UMass Boston canceled all evening classes and activities during Thursday night, although classes are scheduled to resume on Friday morning.

Despite the heightened police response, reports indicated that there was no confirmation of actual gunfire or the presence of armed individuals on campus. Campus police conducted thorough sweeps of various buildings and the surrounding areas, ultimately finding no evidence to suggest that a shooting had occurred, and there were no reports of injuries.

The atmosphere on campus was described as chaotic during the incident. Many students evacuated buildings in panic, responding to the police instruction to clear the areas. Freshman Lydia Cathcart mentioned being startled from a nap by emergency alerts and observed armed police officers directing students to exit with their hands raised. Another student, Makai Salazar, recounted the fear he felt as he barricaded himself in a room, initially unaware that the officers present were responding to a safety incident, not a crisis.

UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco recognized the unsettling nature of the day’s events and expressed appreciation for the patience and cooperation demonstrated by the campus community during the emergency response. To address the emotional impacts of the incident, the university made counseling services available to students who experienced distress during the unfolding situation.

It’s important to note that on the same day, several other historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the nation were placed under lockdown due to potential threats, although these alerts were lifted later. The UMass Boston incident, however, was confirmed not to be connected to active security alerts from nearby universities, including Harvard, Boston University, or MIT.

This event follows a concerning trend in safety incidents on college campuses. Just last week, UMass Lowell experienced a similar situation when a teenage suspect was identified with an airsoft gun, raising alarm regarding campus safety in Massachusetts. UMass Boston’s incident underscores ongoing anxieties regarding security in educational institutions as law enforcement and school officials remain vigilant in ensuring student safety.

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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.