Chattanooga, August 27, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga went on lockdown following a false report of an active shooter. The incident, initiated by a 911 call, prompted immediate law enforcement response, leading to the evacuation of students and staff. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the lockdown was lifted after thorough investigation. Authorities, including the FBI, are now looking into the matter, highlighting the serious issue of swatting calls which can incite panic in schools. The university has made counseling services available for those affected by the incident.
Chattanooga: UTC Reports False Active Shooter Threat
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) faced a false report of an active shooter on August 21, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and placing the campus on lockdown. The incident began when a 911 call reporting an active shooter was made around 12:29 p.m.
As a precaution, UTC and several city government buildings initiated a lockdown. Students were evacuated from classrooms and buildings while law enforcement responded to the emergency. Shortly after the report, UTC issued an alert instructing staff and students to “Run. Hide. Fight,” at approximately 12:42 p.m. The Hamilton County emergency alert system reinforced this warning at 12:50 p.m.
Law enforcement spent over an hour assessing the situation, lifting the lockdown at 1:51 p.m. after finding no evidence of a threat. As a result, students were allowed to return to their classrooms and buildings. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and no individuals were detained during the ordeal.
Several law enforcement agencies, including UTC campus police, Chattanooga police, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI are currently investigating the false report. The alert raised serious concerns about “swatting” calls, a dangerous trend in which false reports are made to incite panic. It is crucial for law enforcement to take all threats seriously, as emphasized during the incident response.
In the aftermath, UTC Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce expressed gratitude towards students, staff, and faculty for their calm reactions during the event. Counseling services were made available for anyone feeling distressed by the situation. All classes and university activities were canceled for the remainder of the day, and non-essential employees were permitted to leave the campus.
During the emergency, witnesses reported a hectic atmosphere as students evacuated buildings. Law enforcement maintained a heavy presence on campus, conducting thorough searches of key locations such as Fletcher Hall and the university library to ensure safety.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of immediate response to potential threats and the significant ramifications that false reports can cause on school campuses. The ongoing investigation may help prevent similar incidents in the future by targeting the issue of hoax calls.
FAQ Section
What was the nature of the incident at UTC on August 21?
A false report of an active shooter prompted law enforcement to respond and place the campus on lockdown.
When did the report of the active shooter occur?
The 911 call reporting the active shooter was made at approximately 12:29 p.m.
What actions were taken by the university in response?
Students were evacuated from buildings, and a lockdown was initiated to ensure safety. An alert was issued advising to “Run. Hide. Fight.”
What was the outcome of the incident?
The lockdown was lifted at 1:51 p.m. after law enforcement determined there was no threat. There were no injuries or detentions reported.
What authorities are investigating the false report?
The investigation involves UTC campus police, Chattanooga police, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI.
What support is available for those affected by the incident?
Counseling services have been made available for students and staff feeling distressed by the situation.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | August 21 |
| Initial Report Time | 12:29 p.m. |
| Lockdown Initiated | 12:29 p.m. |
| Alert Issued | 12:42 p.m. |
| Emergency Alert Notification | 12:50 p.m. |
| Lockdown Lifted | 1:51 p.m. |
| Injuries | None reported |
| Investigative Agencies | UTC Police, Chattanooga Police, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, FBI |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UTC Campus Lockdown Due to Active Shooter Report
Chattanooga University Lockdown Lifted After False Shooter Reports
Chattanooga Addresses False Active Shooter Report at UTC
False Active Shooter Report Triggers UTC Lockdown
False Active Shooter Report Triggers Lockdown at UTC
UTC Campus Experiences Lockdown Following Shooter Report
Chattanooga University Responds to False Active Shooter Report
Chattanooga University Lockdown Amid Shooter Report
Chattanooga University Locks Down Over False Shooter Alert
Chattanooga Residents Respond to Community Issues
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press
- Tennessean
- USA Today
- Local 3 News
- WBIR
- Wikipedia: Active Shooter
- Google Search: UTC Chattanooga Active Shooter Report
- Google Scholar: Active Shooter False Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Active Shooter
- Google News: UTC Chattanooga
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