URGENT UPDATE: An active shooter is reported on the loose at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, prompting immediate warnings for students to flee and seek shelter. Just after 3 PM today, UVA’s police division issued an emergency alert instructing students and faculty to run, hide, and fight in response to an ongoing threat near the Shannon Library.
Police are actively responding to the scene as reports of gunshots emerged, creating panic among the university’s population of over 26,600 students. The alert specified the location of the incident, urging everyone to avoid the area and follow safety protocols.
“UVA Emergency Alert: ACTIVE ATTACKER with a gun reported in area of Shannon Library 160 McCormick Road. RUN HIDE FIGHT,”
stated the official communication from the university.
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation and have yet to apprehend the alleged gunman. Eyewitness accounts describe chaos as students rushed to safety, some barricading themselves in classrooms and dormitories. As the situation unfolds, police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
This incident follows previous safety concerns at the university, including a shelter-in-place order issued earlier this year when a suspected gang member was spotted on campus. During that event, students were advised to avoid Nyheem Hill, a suspect wanted for fleeing after a traffic stop.
The University of Virginia community is currently on high alert as law enforcement continues to assess the situation. Authorities will be providing updates as they become available. Stay tuned for the latest developments as this story unfolds.
