Chattanooga, August 27, 2025

News Summary

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga went into lockdown following a report of a potential active shooter seen on campus. A 911 call alerted authorities, prompting law enforcement to respond swiftly to ensure safety. Fortunately, no shooter was found, and the lockdown was lifted within an hour. Classes and campus activities were canceled, and counseling services were made available to support affected students. The incident highlighted the importance of active shooter preparedness and vigilance within educational environments.

Chattanooga Responds to No-threat Active Shooter Report at UTC

Chattanooga – The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) initiated a lockdown on August 21 following a report of a potential active shooter on campus. The lockdown commenced shortly after a 911 call reported sightings of a person carrying a rifle near the University Center or library at approximately 12:29 p.m.

Students and staff received a safety alert from UTC just after 1 p.m., advising them to “Run. Hide. Fight.” as law enforcement agencies, including Chattanooga Police, rapidly mobilized to the scene. A thorough search of the campus ensued, lasting nearly an hour, with officers assessing any possible threats.

As the situation developed, university officials confirmed that no shooter or victims were located on campus. By 1:40 p.m., UTC declared that “no threat has been identified,” leading to the eventual lifting of the lockdown. Nonetheless, all classes and activities on campus were canceled until 8 a.m. on August 22, allowing students and non-essential employees to leave for the remainder of the day.

Chancellor of UTC, Dr. Lori Mann Bruce, commended students for their adherence to safety protocols and emphasized the effectiveness of active shooter training provided during their studies. In light of the incident, UTC is offering counseling services for students requiring support.

The lockdown expanded to include all City of Chattanooga government buildings as a precautionary measure. Chattanooga Police Chief, John Chambers, underscored the seriousness with which such reports are treated, stating that public safety must always be prioritized and every call must be investigated thoroughly.

In the aftermath of the incident, law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigation to determine the origin and legitimacy of the initial 911 call. Details revealing the source of the distressing report remain forthcoming.

Key Timeline of Events

• 12:29 p.m. – 911 call received about potential active shooter with a rifle.
• 1:00 p.m. – UTC issues alert advising to “Run. Hide. Fight.”
• 1:40 p.m. – Lockdown lifted; no threat identified.
• Classes canceled until August 22; counseling services made available.

Impact of the Incident

The university’s lockdown protocol highlighted the importance of active shooter preparedness, which equipped students to respond effectively during a crisis. The swift response by law enforcement underlines the commitment to ensuring safety within the campus community and the surrounding area.

Further Investigations

Authorities are hard at work to analyze the details surrounding the initial call that triggered the lockdown. Any information that pertains to the case will be evaluated to determine if legal actions are warranted against individuals responsible should they be found to have knowingly made a false report.

Supporting Mental Health

The university’s decision to provide counseling services for students affected by the incident demonstrates their commitment to mental wellness in the aftermath of such stressful occurrences. Mental health resources are vital in helping individuals navigate feelings of unease or anxiety in the days following a crisis.

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HERE Resources

Chattanooga University Locks Down Over False Shooter Alert
Chattanooga Residents Respond to Community Issues
Chattanooga Increases Patrols After Tyner Community Center Shooting
Key Education Legislative Changes in Tennessee Schools

Additional Resources

• NewsChannel 5
• Wikipedia: Active shooter
• Knox News
• Google Search: University of Tennessee Chattanooga active shooter
• USA Today
• Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Tennessee Chattanooga
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Google News: UTC lockdown August 21 2025

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.