Chattanooga, September 3, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was placed under lockdown after reports of a potential active shooter on campus. Law enforcement responded quickly, found no evidence of a threat, and lifted the lockdown shortly after. The incident raised alarms not only on campus but also affected nearby government buildings and businesses. Counseling services were made available for those affected by the anxiety of the situation. Investigations are ongoing into the false reports that led to the lockdown.
Chattanooga
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) was placed under lockdown on August 21, 2023, after reports of a potential active shooter on campus. Fortunately, the situation ended safely as law enforcement found no evidence of a threat.
The alarm was raised shortly after 1 p.m., resulting in immediate alerts sent to students advising them to “Run. Hide. Fight.” which is a standard protocol in active shooter situations. This initial alert signaled that students and staff were to evacuate buildings and seek safety.
As the lockdown unfolded, UTC was not the only entity affected. Government buildings and multiple downtown businesses also closed their doors, contributing to an atmosphere of heightened concern within the community.
Law enforcement agencies responded promptly. Officers from local, state, and federal agencies worked together to investigate the reports, conducting thorough searches of the campus. By 1:51 p.m., UTC lifted the lockdown with an “ALL CLEAR” announcement, confirming that no victims or shooter had been located.
Before the main alert, an earlier notification at 12:42 p.m. warned of a possible active shooter in the University Center or the library. This was quickly followed by additional alerts from the Hamilton County emergency alert system at around 12:50 p.m.
After ensuring there was no actual threat, UTC canceled all classes and activities for the remainder of the day. Students and non-essential staff were allowed to leave the campus as the situation was resolved.
In light of the event, UTC’s counseling center was made available to assist anyone experiencing anxiety or distress due to the incident. Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce commended the calm and orderly response of students, staff, and faculty during the evacuation process, highlighting the importance of maintaining safety and security on campus.
In a related but separate incident, another call reporting a shooting was received at Erlanger Hospital; upon investigation, this report was also found to be unfounded. The authorities are currently conducting investigations into the origin of the fraudulent calls. The campus police, along with the Chattanooga police, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI are involved in this ongoing investigation, reinforcing the necessity for responsiveness in situations of potential danger.
Chattanooga Police Chief John Chambers emphasized the department’s commitment to treating all reports with seriousness, adhering to the principle of preserving life above all.
Background Context
Active shooter incidents, although rare, create significant concern in educational environments, prompting institutions to prepare comprehensive emergency response plans. Universities like UTC have implemented safety protocols, including detailed evacuation procedures and the establishment of communication lines to disseminate important information quickly during crises.
FAQ
What caused the lockdown at UTC?
The lockdown was initiated following reports of a potential active shooter on campus.
How long did the lockdown last?
The lockdown lasted approximately 50 minutes, ending at 1:51 p.m. after no threats were confirmed.
Were any injuries reported during the incident?
No injuries or victims were reported during the incident, and law enforcement found no active shooter.
What follow-up actions are being taken?
Investigations into the false reports are being conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies to identify the source of the calls.
Incident Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | August 21, 2023 |
| Initial Alert Time | 12:42 p.m. |
| Lockdown Lifted | 1:51 p.m. |
| Affected Locations | UTC campus, government buildings, downtown businesses |
| Response Agencies | UTC Police, Chattanooga Police, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, FBI |
| Counseling Services Available | Yes, for students and staff |
| Report Confirmation | No evidence of threat found |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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UTC Campus Lockdown Due to False Active Shooter Report
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: UTC Sends Out Message Warning of Potential Active Shooter
- Fox 5 Atlanta: University of Tennessee Chattanooga Lockdown Due to Active Shooter Reports
- USA Today: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Shooting Lockdown
- Knox News: University of Tennessee Chattanooga Lockdown Reports of Shooter
- News Channel 5: University of Tennessee Chattanooga Under Lockdown Due to Possible Active Shooter
- Wikipedia: Active Shooter
- Google Search: University of Tennessee Chattanooga
- Google Scholar: Active Shooter Protocols
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Active Shooter
- Google News: UTC Lockdown
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