Note: This is a breaking news story and has been updated with new details.
An active shooter incident at Villanova University Thursday was labeled a “cruel hoax” in which no one was injured, the university’s president said.
“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,” Villanova University President Rev. Peter Donohue said, according to WPVI.
The university issued an active shooter alert on its website around 4:30 p.m. according to NBC10. The alert said the following:
“Police on scene. Move to secure location. Lock/barricade doors. More info to follow. Stay Clear of Law School Scarpa Hall. ACTIVE SHOOTER on VU campus. Move to secure location. Lock/barricade doors. More info to follow.”
Initially, there were conflicting reports regarding injuries. The Philadelphia Inquirer said one person was shot, but a police source told NBC10 around 5:30 p.m. there were no known injuries connected to the incident.
Radnor Township Police around 6 p.m. said law enforcement units were still clearing buildings, but no victims were injured.
The Associated Press posted a livestream from the area on YouTube:
Radnor Township Police previously posted an alert on X asking people to shelter in place.
Radnor Township Police Department are on location at Villanova University for a repot of an active shooter. All nearby residents and students are asked to SHELTER IN PLACE AT this time.
All further information will come from the Office of the Superintendent of Police.
#308
— RadnorPD (@RadnorPD) August 21, 2025
The university updated its alert to include the following:
“Police continue to search area. Remain sheltered in place until further notice,” and “Stay Clear of Law School Scarpa Hall.”
Governor Josh Shapiro said Pennsylvania State Police and federal law enforcement agencies responded to the university and asked the public to avoid the area.
The @PAStatePolice and local and federal law enforcement are onsite at Villanova University responding to reports of an active shooter.
Avoid the area and follow the direction of local authorities. We will share additional information as it becomes available.
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) August 21, 2025
Villanova’s academic calendar lists Thursday, Aug. 21 as the first day of New Student Orientation and Registration. The university’s website says it has 6,700 full-time undergraduate students and 3,100 graduate and law students.
Hours before the active shooter alert was issued, the university’s law school and Villanova Law Alumni Association hosted a picnic celebrating the class of 2028.
Another successful Villanova Law orientation came to a close with a picnic hosted by the Villanova Law Alumni Association. We can’t wait to see all the great things the class of 2028 will accomplish during their time here. See you bright and early on Monday! pic.twitter.com/TAwaH8INPu
— Villanova Law (@Villanova_Law) August 21, 2025
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