The University of Virginia in Charlottesville issued an emergency alert on Monday afternoon, warning students and staff of an "active attacker with a gun" on campus grounds. The university's official communication urged individuals near the Shannon Library to take immediate protective action.
University police were dispatched to the scene to investigate the threat. As a precautionary measure, all academic buildings on the campus have been placed under restricted access, allowing entry only to authorized personnel. As of the initial reports, there have been no confirmed injuries or fatalities.
Key Takeaways
- An emergency alert for an "active attacker with a gun" was issued at the University of Virginia.
- The incident is reported to be near the Shannon Library on the Charlottesville campus.
- The university has instructed people in the area to run, hide, or fight.
- University police are actively investigating, and academic buildings are on lockdown.
- There are no immediate reports of injuries or a description of the alleged attacker.
Campus on High Alert
The situation began to unfold on Monday afternoon when the university's emergency notification system sent out an alert via its official X account. The message was direct and urgent, stating the presence of an armed individual and providing the standard protocol for an active attacker situation: "run, hide or fight."
This immediate warning triggered a swift response across the campus, with students and faculty seeking shelter and awaiting further instructions. The focus of the police activity appears to be concentrated around the Shannon Library, a central location within the university's grounds.
The university administration quickly followed up with additional measures. In a subsequent post, officials announced that academic buildings would be moved to "access control only." This security protocol is designed to limit movement on campus and prevent unauthorized individuals from entering buildings while law enforcement conducts its investigation.
Understanding 'Run, Hide, Fight'
The "Run, Hide, Fight" protocol is a widely adopted strategy for surviving an active shooter event. It provides a simple, memorable set of actions for individuals to follow in a high-stress situation. Run: If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate. Hide: If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the attacker is less likely to find you. Fight: As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt or incapacitate the attacker.
Law Enforcement Response
University of Virginia Police Department officers were the first to arrive at the scene. Their immediate priority is to locate, identify, and neutralize any potential threat to the campus community. The investigation is currently active, and the area around the Shannon Library has been secured.
Details about the alleged attacker remain scarce. The initial alerts did not provide any description of the individual, including their appearance or what they were wearing. This lack of information adds to the tension on campus as the community waits for updates from law enforcement.
So far, there have been no official reports of any injuries or casualties related to this incident. Emergency services are on standby, but their direct involvement has not yet been confirmed. The absence of reported injuries is a hopeful sign, but the situation remains fluid and dangerous until an all-clear is given.
Community Reaction and Safety Measures
The alert has sent a wave of concern through the UVA community and beyond. Parents, alumni, and local residents are closely monitoring the situation through official university channels and news outlets. The university's communication system is playing a critical role in disseminating information as it becomes available.
Campus lockdowns are a serious but necessary procedure designed to protect lives during an active threat. By restricting access to buildings and advising people to shelter in place, the university aims to minimize the risk of harm until law enforcement can confirm the area is safe.
This is a developing story, and officials have promised to provide updates as the investigation progresses. The community is urged to rely on official sources for information and to avoid the affected area until authorities give the all-clear.