UMass Lowell Active Shooter Alert: Incident Response & Safety

On September 3, 2025, the UMass Lowell community faced an alarming situation when reports emerged of a potentially armed individual on South Campus. The university immediately issued a shelter-in-place order, canceling all classes and events for the day. Fortunately, authorities confirmed this was not an active shooter incident and no injuries occurred. This article delves into the details of the event, the university’s response, and essential safety protocols for campus emergencies. By understanding these measures, students, staff, and visitors can better prepare for unexpected situations.

Timeline of the Incident

The incident began around 2:30 p.m. when University Police received reports of an individual carrying what appeared to be a long firearm behind Riverview Suites on South Campus. A video circulated on social media corroborated the sighting, prompting an immediate response .

By 5:15 p.m., after extensive searches involving UML Police, Lowell Police, State Police, and federal agencies like the FBI, the shelter-in-place order was lifted. Law enforcement determined the suspect was no longer on campus .

Key Events:

• 2:30 p.m.: Initial report and shelter-in-place order.
• 2:37 p.m.: Emergency alerts sent to the campus community.
• 5:15 p.m.: Lockdown lifted; suspect deemed off-campus.
• Overnight: Increased police presence at residence halls .

Emergency Response and Coordination

The university’s response showcased robust emergency protocols. UML Police Chief Ron Dickerson emphasized that despite the alarming nature of the reports, there was no evidence of shots fired or an active shooter . Approximately 100 officers participated in the operation, using drones, K-9 units, and SWAT teams to sweep the area .

Agencies Involved:

• UMass Lowell Police Department
• Lowell Police Department
• Massachusetts State Police
• FBI Boston and ATF 

Student Experiences and Trauma Support

For many students, this incident was deeply traumatic. Freshman Eleni Klarakis described barricading herself in O’Leary Library, stating, “I was petrified for my life” . Others, like Tyler Bernier, used active shooter training to secure classrooms with belts and tables .

Counseling Resources:

The university offered immediate psychological support, including:

• Crisis appointments via Campus Counseling Services (978-934-6800).
• 24/7 hotline for students (855-890-2879).
• Dedicated trauma specialists available from Wednesday night .

Safety Protocols for Campus Emergencies

UMass Lowell’s Emergency Action Plan provides clear guidelines for various scenarios, from armed threats to natural disasters. Here are key protocols to remember:

Shelter-in-Place Procedures:

• Seek an interior room without windows.
• Lock doors and turn off ventilation systems.
• Stay informed via UML Alert updates .

Active Threat Response:

• Run, hide, or fight based on proximity to the threat.
• Use emergency blue phones for direct contact with dispatchers.
• Avoid elevators during evacuations .

Communication Channels:

• UML Alerts: Text messages for real-time updates.
• Emergency Blue Phones: Over 100 across campus .

Lessons Learned and Preparedness Tips

This incident underscores the importance of personal preparedness. Here’s how you can stay safe:

Proactive Measures:

1. Register for UML Alerts to receive emergency notifications.
2. Familiarize yourself with exit routes and blue phone locations.
3. Participate in active shooter drills and training sessions.

Community Resilience:

Chancellor Julie Chen praised the collaboration between students, staff, and law enforcement . Such partnerships are crucial for effective emergency management.

Conclusion

The UMass Lowell incident, while resolved without violence, highlights the critical need for vigilance and preparedness. By adhering to established protocols and utilizing available resources, the campus community can navigate emergencies confidently. Stay informed, stay safe, and explore UML’s emergency preparedness resources to protect yourself and others.

FAQs About UMass Lowell Emergency Preparedness

1. What should I do during a shelter-in-place order at UMass Lowell?

Seek an interior room without windows, lock doors, and monitor UML Alerts for updates. Avoid ventilation systems and stay put until authorities give an all-clear .

2. How does UMass Lowell notify students during emergencies?

The university uses the UML Alerts system, which sends text messages and emails with real-time instructions. Additionally, emergency blue phones provide direct contact with dispatchers .

3. Were any shots fired during the September 2025 incident?

No. Law enforcement confirmed no shots were fired and there were no injuries .

4. What counseling resources are available after traumatic events?

Students can access 24/7 crisis hotlines (855-890-2879) or schedule appointments with Campus Counseling Services (978-934-6800) .

5. How can I report suspicious activity on campus?

Call UML Police immediately at 978-934-4911 (or 4-4911 from campus phones). Provide details like location, descriptions, and incident nature

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