An active shooter report at Villanova University in Pennsylvania on Thursday turned out to be a false alarm, leaving students, faculty, and law enforcement relieved but also concerned about the incident. According to the school president and the lawyer of Delaware County, the report was a “cruel joke” that caused unnecessary panic and disruption to the campus community.
At around 4:30 p.m., Villanova University sent out an alert about a possible active shooter in the Charles Widger School of Law, advising people to seek safety and lock down buildings. The police from Delaware County, Pennsylvania State Police, and other agencies responded quickly to the scene, but after investigating, they found no evidence of an active shooter or any victims.
Investigation and Response
Delaware County’s District Attorney, Jack Stollsteimer, stated that the initial call to 911 reported an active shooter at the law school, but it was later determined to be a false threat. The police and emergency services responded rapidly, with 18 EMS units and law enforcement agencies from almost every municipality in the region arriving at the scene.
Governor Josh Shapiro praised the swift response of law enforcement and expressed gratitude that no one was injured. He also vowed to find the person or persons responsible for the fake threat and hold them accountable. Shapiro stated, “I know that today, the nightmare of every parent and the greatest fear of every student was realized, but thankfully, it was a false alarm.”
Student and Family Reaction
The Miller family, who were on campus for orientation, described the chaotic scene when the alert was issued. Allison Miller, an incoming freshman, received an alert on her Apple Watch, and her family was quickly rushed to a safe building. Elizabeth Miller, Allison’s mother, praised the university’s response, saying, “They took care of us, they gave us food, they included us… I felt very safe with them.”
Corey Miller, Allison’s father, expressed his relief that the incident was a joke but also condemned the person responsible, saying, “Shame on you. You wouldn’t expect that in this country. I’m glad it turned out to be a joke, but it’s a sad way to end a wonderful day.”
Similar Incident at University of Tennessee
Earlier on the same day, the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga issued a warning about a possible active shooter, which was later determined to be a false threat. The university reported no evidence of a shooting and no injuries, and classes and activities resumed as normal on Friday.
Conclusion
The incident at Villanova University serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and prompt response to potential threats. While the false alarm caused unnecessary panic, it also highlighted the effectiveness of the university’s emergency response plan and the swift action of law enforcement. For more information, visit Here
Source: www.cbsnews.com
