Chattanooga, August 27, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga faced a false active shooter report, leading to a lockdown and evacuation of classrooms. The situation, reported around 12:29 p.m., was confirmed as a hoax after an extensive search. The lockdown ended at 1:51 p.m., with no injuries or arrests made. Authorities are investigating the source of the false alarm due to a concerning trend of similar incidents in the area. University officials praised the calm response of students and staff during these events and offered support services for those affected.
Chattanooga Responds to Fake Active Shooter Report at UTC
An incident of a reported active shooter at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) on Thursday turned out to be unfounded. The campus was placed under lockdown as law enforcement responded to the emergency call made at approximately 12:29 p.m.. Authorities began evacuating classrooms and buildings soon after the report was received.
UTC issued an alert to students around 12:42 p.m., promoting safety measures and advising individuals to “Run. Hide. Fight.” Following an extensive search conducted by local police, the lockdown was lifted, confirming no evidence of a threat. The all-clear was issued at 1:51 p.m., allowing students and staff to resume normal activities.
During the lockdown, groups of students were evacuated and gathered in parking lots and along sidewalks. Classes and activities for the rest of the day were canceled, and students along with non-essential employees were permitted to leave the campus.
Chattanooga Police Chief emphasized the city’s commitment to prioritizing public safety and stated that responding to possible threats is crucial. Their response unit designated the situation serious until proven otherwise, highlighting that “you can never assume something is fake.”
The incident prompted an investigation involving UTC campus police, Chattanooga police, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI to track down the source of the false report. Concurrently, Erlanger hospital also received a false report of a shooting but was cleared shortly after, revealing a concerning trend of similar hoax calls around the area, including prior incidents at Chattanooga State Community College.
Students described a chaotic series of events during the evacuation, expressing feelings of fear and uncertainty. While no injuries were reported and no individuals were detained in connection with the hoax, Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce commended the calmness and measured responses exhibited by both students and staff during the tense incident. Support services will be made available for those who may experience distress following the event.
Background Context
This false active shooter report comes amid a series of similar incidents across various locations, raising alarms within educational establishments regarding the rising trend of hoax threats. Authorities stress the importance of preparedness amidst such incidents and the critical nature of immediate response to ensure safety on campus. Communities and educational institutions are encouraged to remain aware of the potential for misinformation and the implications of such actions on public safety.
Implications of Hoax Calls
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Hoax active shooter report |
| Location | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga |
| Reported Time | 12:29 p.m. |
| Action Taken | Lockdown initiated, evacuation executed |
| All-Clear Issued | 1:51 p.m. |
| Result | No injuries, no arrests |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at UTC on Thursday?
A report of an active shooter triggered a lockdown, which was later confirmed to be a hoax after a thorough investigation.
When was the call about the active shooter made?
The call was made around 12:29 p.m..
What actions were taken by law enforcement?
Authorities evacuated classrooms, issued alerts, and conducted a thorough search of the campus.
When was the lockdown lifted?
The lockdown was lifted at 1:51 p.m..
Were there any injuries or arrests?
No injuries were reported, and no individuals were detained in relation to the false report.
Is counseling available for those affected?
Yes, support services are being made available for students and staff experiencing distress due to this incident.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Chattanooga Increases Patrols After Tyner Community Center Shooting
Chattanooga Remembers the Fallen Five on 10-Year Anniversary
Tragedy Strikes as Two Firefighters Killed in Ambush Shooting
Chattanooga Police Make Arrests Amid Rising Gun Violence
Chaos Averted at CrossPointe Community Church
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press
- Wikipedia: Active shooter
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google Search: University of Tennessee Chattanooga shooter hoax
- Tennessean
- Google Scholar: hoax active shooter reports
- Knox News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Active shooter
- USA Today
- Google News: UTC lockdown active shooter
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
