A significant police presence quickly responded to reports of gunshots at the University of Massachusetts in Boston, causing panic among students and staff. The Boston Police Department confirmed that individuals were fleeing after hearing gunfire at the Dorchester campus. The university, commonly known as UMass, issued alerts warning of a ‘public safety threat’ in progress.
The incident occurred near a residence hall in the East Building of the campus following reports of gunshots around 3:45 pm local time close to Morrissey Boulevard. SWAT teams mobilized to the dorm area, advising people to steer clear of the vicinity.
A subsequent UMB Emergency Alert declared that the campus was deemed safe, with no ongoing danger to the community. Reports indicated a potential false alarm, possibly a swatting call, dispelling any notion of an active shooter on the premises.
This occurrence coincides with a series of security alerts at various universities in the United States following the tragic shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Seven universities implemented lockdowns after receiving threatening messages targeting their campuses in the aftermath of Kirk’s demise.
Classes and activities at UMass Boston were canceled for the evening as the police continued their investigation. Law enforcement agencies collaborated with campus authorities to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff during the uncertain situation.
While a significant number of first responders rushed to the University of Massachusetts Boston in response to reports of a shooting, Boston police stated that there was no verification of gunfire or armed individuals on the premises. Initial reports suggested an incident at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, with subsequent updates indicating a ‘public safety threat’ at a residence hall.
Both Boston police and campus security teams confirmed an ongoing investigation into the matter, although details were limited at the time. Students were promptly alerted to the ‘public safety threat’ near a residence hall in the East Building of the Dorchester campus, where SWAT teams were deployed, urging individuals to stay away from the area where the gunshots were reported around 3:45 pm near Morrissey Boulevard.
