Villanova University Lockdown: Hoax Active Shooter Call Sparks Chaos During Orientation
A day meant for welcoming new students to Villanova University turned into a scene of fear and confusion after a swatting incident triggered a massive police response. A fabricated 911 call reporting an active shooter with an AR-15 style rifle at the law school led to a campus-wide lockdown, sending hundreds of students and parents scrambling for safety during orientation events. The terrifying hoax, now under investigation, highlighted the severe emotional toll of such pranks and the swift response of local law enforcement.
A Terrifying Alert and Swift Response
The chaos began at 4:33 p.m. when Delaware County’s Department of Emergency Services received the hoax call. Just one minute later, Villanova University issued an urgent active shooter alert, instructing everyone on campus to immediately move to a secure location. The alert coincided with a mass being held for freshmen and their families, who were suddenly thrown into panic. Video footage showed students sprinting across campus, with many seeking refuge in closets, classrooms, and even the homes of strangers living nearby.
Lockdown and Large-Scale Police Presence
In response to the threat, a full lockdown was enacted by 5:06 p.m. Dozens of police officers from the region, many clad in tactical gear with guns drawn, descended on the Villanova campus. They conducted a meticulous, building-by-building search for a shooter that did not exist. Sky Force 10 aerial footage captured the intense scene as law enforcement worked to secure the area, treating the threat with the utmost seriousness despite growing suspicions it might be a hoax.
The All-Clear and Emotional Aftermath
After nearly two hours of fear and uncertainty, police gave the all-clear at 6:32 p.m., confirming the call was a fabrication. The announcement brought a collective sigh of relief, but the emotional impact was already profound. Parents, who had just been preparing to leave their children for the school year, were visibly shaken. One emotional father, unable to find words, simply stated, “My daughter is inside,” capturing the anguish of the moment. The incident forced difficult reunions as families who had been separated during the chaos found each other.
Investigation and a Pledge for Security
Delaware County officials have launched an investigation to find the perpetrator behind the swatting call. The District Attorney noted that while technology can disguise a caller’s origin, they are using all available tools and resources to track down the individual responsible. In the aftermath, police presence remained heightened on the Villanova campus as a clear sign to students and families that their safety is the top priority. The event served as a stark reminder of the resources drained and the trauma inflicted by such dangerous hoaxes.
