News Summary
A significant police response at UMass Boston was triggered by unverified reports of gunfire, causing chaos and evacuations among students. Despite initial fears and alerts, law enforcement found no evidence of gunfire or injuries. This alarming incident, following a similar scare at UMass Lowell, raises concerns regarding campus safety. Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco emphasized the need for vigilance while reassuring the community about safety measures in place.
Boston – A large-scale police response was triggered at the University of Massachusetts Boston on Thursday afternoon following unconfirmed reports of gunfire on campus. The incident created a state of alarm among students, leading to chaos and evacuations as law enforcement rapidly mobilized to investigate the potential threat.
According to university officials, the first alert regarding a “police incident” was issued to students at approximately 3:40 p.m., advising them to avoid the area around the residence halls. This message intensified concerns when a second alert sent out at 4 p.m. described a “public safety threat” originating from a specific residence hall.
Students reported a scene filled with confusion and fear. Many were seen fleeing buildings, and some took to barricading themselves inside classrooms and dorm rooms. Witnesses noted a significant presence of police officers and SWAT teams entering the buildings in response to the situation.
Nearby Boston College High School was also put on lockdown as a precaution while police conducted their investigation. Despite the heightened fear, spokesperson Sergeant Detective John Boyle from the Boston Police stated that no evidence of gunfire was discovered on campus, and no injuries were reported.
By 5:11 p.m., law enforcement declared that there was “no ongoing threat to the community,” bringing a level of relief to anxious students and staff. Members of the State Police conducted thorough checks on the 10th and 12th floors of Residence Hall East, where the alleged gunfire was reported, but found no indication of an active shooter or any gun-related incidents.
Background on Recent Campus Incidents
This incident comes just a week after another security scare at UMass Lowell, where a lockdown was initiated due to an individual seen with what was later identified as an airsoft replica gun. Students have expressed growing concern over the frequency of such safety incidents occurring at universities, reinforcing a sense of unease on campuses across the area.
Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco addressed the UMass Boston community, acknowledging the unsettling nature of the event and expressing gratitude for the cooperation and calm displayed by students and staff during the crisis. As a precautionary measure, all classes and university activities were canceled for the remainder of the day following the reports, allowing the campus to regain its stability.
As investigations continue, police are asking for any information related to the incident from the public. This ongoing inquiry aims to uncover the origin of the reports and ensure that the campus remains a safe environment for all students and faculty members.
While the situation concluded without physical harm, the incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of campus safety and timely responses to potential threats. The university community remains on alert as authorities analyze the circumstances leading to Thursday’s alarm, striving to prevent such occurrences in the future.
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Additional Resources
- WCVB: UMass Boston Emergency Response
- Wikipedia: Campus Safety
- NBC Boston: UMass Boston Public Safety Incident
- Google Search: UMass Boston public safety
- CBS News: UMass Boston Report Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- Boston.com: UMass Boston Students Alerted
- Google News: UMass Boston emergency response
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.
