The president of Villanova University, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, addressed the community on Thursday evening, clarifying that the alarming report of an active shooter on campus was a “cruel hoax” and that fortunately, no one was injured during the incident. In his statement, Donohue expressed deep concern for the panic and terror the false report caused as students and staff gathered for the Orientation Mass.
“Mercifully, no one was injured, and we now know that it was a cruel hoax — there was no active shooter, no injuries, and no evidence of firearms present on campus,” Donohue stated. The university’s administration acted swiftly, with police conducting a thorough search of buildings on campus, checking each floor meticulously for any signs of a shooter or potential victims.
Initially, there was a concerning report communicated via police radio that suggested there may have been a gunshot victim on campus. However, police later reassured the public that there had been “no reported victims.” Despite this, law enforcement continued to advise caution and instructed individuals who were sheltering to remain in place until a police officer could provide guidance. The Radnor Township Police Department issued a social media update shortly before 5:50 p.m. urging the community to stay vigilant.
Earlier in the day, the university had advised individuals on campus to move to secure locations, locking and barricading doors as a precautionary measure. The administration specifically recommended that individuals stay clear of Scarpa Hall at the Charles Widger School of Law, where the incident reportedly began.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., Villanova’s Department of Public Safety received an anonymous report alleging an active shooter incident at the Widger School of Law. Following this report, police conducted an extensive search of the buildings in the vicinity, ultimately confirming that the situation was a hoax.
The initial active shooter report garnered immediate attention from high-level political figures in Pennsylvania. U.S. Senator Dave McCormick expressed his concern on social media, stating, “Dina and I are praying for the safety of students, faculty, law enforcement, and everyone on campus.” Governor Josh Shapiro also took to social media to address the situation, later confirming that the reports of an active shooter were unfounded and part of a “cruel swatting incident.” Shapiro condemned swatting as illegal and pledged that state police would work diligently to identify and apprehend those responsible for the false threat.
In his statement, Donohue acknowledged the relief that came with the news that no active shooter was present but recognized the emotional toll the incident had taken on the community. He stated, “I know today’s events have shaken our entire community,” and assured the public that more information would be shared in the coming days.
Thursday marked the final day of mandatory orientation for incoming first-year law students, with many activities scheduled throughout the day. The chaos unfolded during the university’s opening Mass, which was set to take place from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Villanova University, located about 12 miles northwest of Philadelphia, has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 6,700 students and is known for its Augustinian Catholic heritage.
As families wearing Villanova University apparel left the campus, many were visibly shaken. One woman, in tears, expressed her desire to leave immediately. Youssaf Shah, a postdoctoral student who was in the midst of a virtual meeting when the alert was issued, described the situation as “pretty intense,” noting that he had never experienced anything like it before.
Shah recounted how he and a colleague locked themselves in an office due to non-functioning key cards, relieved to learn that no injuries had occurred. Meanwhile, a freshman student, visibly distraught, reflected on her second day on campus, stating, “Everything was great until this happened. This shouldn’t be happening anywhere.”
The events of the day have left an indelible mark on the Villanova community, as students and staff grapple with the reality of such a frightening hoax and the importance of campus safety.
