Active Shooter Reported at Villanova University in Pennsylvania

Police are responding to reports of an active shooter at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, according to a statement shared by the Radnor Township Police Department on its Facebook page. Authorities have urged students and nearby residents to shelter in place as law enforcement investigates the situation.

Villanova University Issues Emergency Alerts

In a safety update, Villanova University instructed students on campus to avoid Scarpa Hall at the law school, move to secure locations, and lock or barricade doors. Law enforcement officials are conducting a full sweep of the building to check for any victims or suspects.

At this time, the exact details of the incident remain unclear, a law enforcement source told CNN.

Police and Emergency Crews Respond

Armed officers were seen on the roof as dozens of law enforcement and fire officials arrived at the scene, according to video footage from CNN affiliate WPVI.

The incident took place just as new student orientation and registration began on Thursday, which will continue until Saturday. According to Villanova’s academic calendar, classes are scheduled to begin on Monday.

Students Alerted During Campus Mass

Students received an email alert about the active shooter around 4:35 p.m. ET, while an opening mass was being held at Rowen Campus Green. The mass was followed by a planned family picnic, which was disrupted by the emergency situation.

Villanova, a private Catholic university near Philadelphia, is also known as the alma mater of Pope Leo XIV.

Similar Active Shooter Alert at University of Tennessee

The Villanova reports came only hours after the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga issued an active shooter alert, which forced the campus into lockdown. Later, police announced they found no evidence of an actual threat. Authorities are now investigating the Tennessee incident as a possible swatting case.

Ongoing Investigation

Police continue to monitor the situation closely at Villanova University. More updates are expected as law enforcement provides additional details about the reported active shooter.