Chattanooga, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was placed on lockdown after a false report of an active shooter on campus. Law enforcement responded swiftly, ensuring the safety of students and staff. The lockdown lasted about an hour, concluding without any injuries. Counseling services have been made available for students feeling anxious or fearful following the incident. The situation was categorized as a ‘swatting’ call, leading to investigations by various law enforcement agencies.
Chattanooga – The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) was placed on lockdown Thursday following a false report of an active shooter on campus. The safety alert, which triggered a swift law enforcement response, affected the university grounds, nearby government buildings, and several downtown businesses.
The crisis began when UTC issued its first alert at 12:42 p.m., advising students and staff of a potential active shooter situation. Shortly after, at 12:50 p.m., the Hamilton County emergency alert system sent out a warning to the public regarding the incident. The response included a coordinated effort between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, all of whom swept the campus in search of any threats.
By 1:41 p.m., law enforcement officials confirmed that no actual threat had been identified, and the lockdown was officially lifted at 1:51 p.m., allowing students to return to their buildings. Although the immediate danger was resolved without injuries, classes and activities for the remainder of the day were canceled, with a notice extending until 8 a.m. Friday morning for safety precautions.
Students reported feelings of fear and anxiety during the evacuation, prompting university officials to announce counseling services available for those in distress. Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce expressed gratitude to the university community for their calm responses under pressure.
The Chattanooga Police Department collaborated with campus police, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI to investigate the fraudulent report, categorized as a “swatting” call. This investigation was compounded by a separate unverified report of a shooting made to Erlanger Hospital, which was also deemed unfounded.
Incident Details
- Time of First Alert: 12:42 p.m.
- Emergency Response Notification: 12:50 p.m.
- Threat Assessment Completion: 1:41 p.m.
- Lockdown Lifted: 1:51 p.m.
- Incident Classification: “Swatting” Call
Impact on the University Community
During the lockdown, students were evacuated from classrooms as law enforcement conducted its sweep of the area. Many students were unsure about their safety and expressed concern about the situation unfolding around them. Despite the absence of any real threat, the psychological impact was palpable.
Authorities emphasized the critical nature of appropriately responding to such reports, which is essential in preserving life and safety during potential crises. The comprehensive response from law enforcement showcases the importance of collaboration among various agencies when addressing potential threats.
Conclusion
While the situation at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was resolved without harm, it serves as a reminder of the serious nature of safety protocols in educational settings. The quick response from law enforcement and university officials helped pacify a potentially frightening scenario, demonstrating the effectiveness of emergency preparedness and communication in safeguarding the community.
FAQ Section
What triggered the lockdown at UTC?
A false report of an active shooter prompted the lockdown at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
How long did the lockdown last?
The lockdown lasted from approximately 12:42 p.m. to 1:51 p.m., when the situation was deemed safe.
Were there any injuries reported during the incident?
No injuries were reported during the active shooter scare at the university.
What services were provided to students after the incident?
Counseling services were made available to students who expressed feelings of fear or anxiety due to the lockdown.
What is classified as a “swatting” call?
A “swatting” call is a false report made to incite a significant response from law enforcement, typically involving the belief that an active shooter or similar threat is present.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga |
| Initial Alert Time | 12:42 p.m. |
| Lockdown Lifted | 1:51 p.m. |
| No Injuries | Confirmed by authorities |
| Classes Canceled Until | 8 a.m. Friday |
| Nature of Report | Classified as a “swatting” call |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UTC Lifts Lockdown After False Active Shooter Report
False Active Shooter Report at UTC Results in Lockdown
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Lockdown After False Shooter Report
Tennessee’s New School Choice Legislation Passed
Investigation Underway Following Tragic Death of 18-Year-Old in Knox County
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: UTC Sends Out Message Warning of Potential Active Shooter
- Tennessean: UT Chattanooga Active Shooter Report
- USA Today: Active Shooter Hoaxes at Universities
- Google Search: Active Shooter Emergency Response
- Knox News: University of Tennessee Chattanooga Lockdown Reports of Shooter
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