The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is managing the fallout from a turbulent week that included a false report of an active shooter, which triggered a campus-wide lockdown, and a separate controversy over the repainting of a student-run spirit rock. University officials canceled classes on Friday as law enforcement began an investigation into the source of the unsubstantiated gunman alert.
Key Takeaways
- A false report of a gunman at UNCW on Thursday evening led to a campus lockdown lasting several hours.
- University officials confirmed the report was a false alarm and are investigating its origin.
- The incident followed an earlier controversy involving the repainting of a tribute on the campus spirit rock.
- The tribute was dedicated to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who died the previous week.
- Chancellor Aswani Volety described the events as a violation of the campus's sanctity and safety.
Campus Lockdown Following Unsubstantiated Threat
On Thursday evening, the UNCW community was thrown into a state of alarm after reports of a gunman began circulating on social media. The university issued a shelter-in-place order around 6:30 p.m., prompting a swift and significant law enforcement response. Students and faculty were instructed to secure themselves indoors while authorities swept the campus.
The lockdown remained in effect for over three hours. During this time, campus police, alongside other law enforcement agencies, worked to verify the threat. At approximately 9:50 p.m., the university officially announced that the report was a false alarm and that there was no active threat to the campus. All Friday classes were subsequently canceled to allow the community to process the event.
An Official Response to the Incident
UNCW Chancellor Aswani Volety addressed the campus community, expressing his frustration and concern over the disruption. He confirmed he was on campus with about 35 other individuals during the lockdown, waiting for clearance from police.
"Yesterday was a long and difficult day for our university," Volety stated in a message. "We have experienced fear, dread, concern, and yes, even anger. The very sanctity of our campus home has been violated, and I'm angry for this violation."
The Chancellor affirmed that a full investigation is underway to determine the source of the false report. Such incidents, often referred to as "swatting," involve making a hoax call to emergency services to dispatch a large number of armed police officers to a particular address. These events drain resources and can cause significant psychological distress.
Lockdown Timeline
- 6:30 p.m. Thursday: UNCW issues a shelter-in-place alert based on reports of a gunman.
- 6:30 p.m. - 9:50 p.m.: Campus remains on lockdown as law enforcement investigates.
- 9:50 p.m. Thursday: University officials declare the report a false alarm and lift the lockdown.
- Friday: All classes are canceled.
Student Experiences During the Alert
The sudden alert and prolonged lockdown created a tense and frightening environment for students. Many were left with uncertainty and fear as they followed university instructions and monitored social media for updates.
Rachel Shaltanis, a UNCW student from Apex, described the experience as deeply unsettling. "All I'm thinking about is, 'Am I safe here in Wilmington?'" she said. "Are my friends safe here on campus? What is going on?" Her comments reflect the widespread anxiety felt by students who were forced to confront the possibility of a violent threat in their community.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges universities face in managing campus safety and communicating effectively during potential crises. The rapid spread of information—and misinformation—on social media platforms adds another layer of complexity for administrators and law enforcement.
Earlier Controversy Over Spirit Rock Painting
The false shooter report occurred during an already tense week on campus. Days earlier, a controversy emerged surrounding the university's "spirit rock," a large stone that serves as an open forum for student expression.
On Monday night, the UNCW chapter of Turning Point USA, a conservative student organization, held a vigil for activist Charlie Kirk, who had been killed at an event in Utah the previous week. Following the vigil, students painted the rock with a tribute that included a quote from Kirk and American flag imagery.
The Role of the Spirit Rock
The UNCW spirit rock functions as a public canvas for students, similar to the free expression tunnel at NC State University. It is not an official university memorial. Students regularly paint over existing messages to share their own. While there is an unwritten rule of courtesy to leave artwork up for at least 24 hours, it is not an enforceable policy.
Dispute Over Repainted Tribute
On Tuesday, a video circulated on social media showing other students painting over the memorial to Kirk. This act drew sharp criticism from many who felt it was disrespectful to Kirk's memory, especially so soon after his death. The video quickly gained traction online, fueling a heated debate among students and the wider public.
The university issued a statement clarifying the purpose of the spirit rock and the lack of official rules governing its use.
“The UNCW spirit rock is not a memorial. It is a platform for freedom of expression. Students typically paint the rock multiple times per week. Out of courtesy, students are asked to leave artwork for at least 24 hours before repainting, but no policy requires this.”
No students were cited or charged in connection with the repainting. However, the incident contributed to a charged atmosphere on campus, which was further amplified by the subsequent lockdown. The combination of events has left the UNCW community navigating complex issues of safety, free speech, and mutual respect.
