Chattanooga, TN, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) implemented a lockdown for nearly an hour due to a false report of an active shooter. Local, state, and federal authorities swiftly responded, confirming no threat existed. The lockdown was lifted, classes were canceled for the day, and an investigation into the fraudulent call is ongoing. Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce commended the calmness of the campus community during the incident and announced counseling services for those affected by the scare.
Chattanooga, TN – UTC Lifts Lockdown After False Active Shooter Report
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) went on lockdown for nearly an hour on August 21 due to reports of an active shooter on campus. The lockdown was initiated around 1 p.m. ET after authorities were alerted to the possible presence of a shooter, specifically mentioning the University Center or Library area. In response, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies quickly descended on the campus to investigate the alarming report.
During the lockdown, UTC issued an urgent alert advising students and staff to follow the safety protocol of “Run. Hide. Fight.” A significant police presence was visible across campus as students and faculty sought refuge in classrooms and secure areas. Approximately an hour after the initial report, law enforcement officials confirmed that no victims or shooter were found, stating there was no evidence suggesting a threat.
The lockdown was lifted around 1:53 p.m. as UTC declared an “all clear.” However, the university opted to cancel all classes and activities for the remainder of the day, allowing students and non-essential employees to safely leave the campus. Investigators later suggested that the call reporting an active shooter was likely a hoax, leading authorities to launch an investigation into the fraudulent call. The campus police, joined by the Chattanooga Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, are working together on this inquiry.
No individuals were detained during the incident, and there were no reported injuries. Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce acknowledged the composed responses of students, staff, and faculty during the evacuation and reassured that counseling services would be available for those needing support to cope with anxiety or distress caused by the event.
The alert system alerted students just after 12:42 p.m., with the Hamilton County emergency services confirming the report at 12:50 p.m.. Many students described the evacuation as chaotic, expressing concern and confusion as they left their classes abruptly. The Chattanooga Police Chief emphasized that responses to such reports must be taken seriously, noting the importance of never assuming false reports.
UTC, which has approximately 12,000 students enrolled for the 2024 fall semester, is part of the broader University of Tennessee system. Despite the commotion the false alarm caused, the quick response from law enforcement and the university’s alert system played a critical role in ensuring safety on campus.
FAQ Section
What prompted the lockdown at UTC?
Reports of an active shooter on campus led to the lockdown at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
How long did the lockdown last?
The lockdown lasted for nearly an hour before the university declared it safe to resume normal activities.
What was the outcome of the incident?
There were no victims or shooter found, and no injuries were reported. The situation was later determined to be a false alarm.
Is there an investigation into the false report?
Yes, law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are investigating the fraudulent call that triggered the lockdown.
Incident Summary
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Lockdown initiation time | 1:00 PM ET |
| Lockdown lifted | 1:53 PM ET |
| Report confirmation time | 12:50 PM ET |
| Students enrolled at UTC | 12,000 |
| Response agencies | UTC Campus police, Chattanooga Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, FBI |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Knox News
- Wikipedia: Active shooter incident
- USA Today
- Google Search: University of Tennessee Chattanooga lockdown
- Times Free Press
- Google Scholar: Active shooter response
- WBIR
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Active shooters
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Google News: UTC lockdown false alarm
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