UMass Boston Declared All Clear Following Unconfirmed Shots Fired Report

Boston, MA – A massive police response descended upon the University of Massachusetts Boston campus on Thursday afternoon following an unconfirmed report of shots fired. The incident, which prompted campus-wide alerts and evacuations, concluded with authorities declaring the scene "all clear" and no evidence of gunfire or injuries found.

The initial report of shots fired at the Dorchester campus led to a significant deployment of UMass Boston Police, Boston Police, and Massachusetts State Police. The tweet from "Kosher🎗" at the time stated, "🚨 HAPPENING NOW Shots have been fired at University of Massachusetts. Massive police response has been sent out." This social media announcement reflected the immediate and large-scale emergency response.

Students and staff were instructed to evacuate buildings, particularly around the Residence Hall East Building and the Campus Center, as officers, some with rifles drawn, conducted a thorough sweep of the area. Many students described feelings of fear and confusion during the unfolding events, with some barricading themselves in rooms before being escorted out by police.

Despite the widespread alarm, no individuals with firearms were found on campus, and no confirmed shots were fired. UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco later confirmed that after a comprehensive investigation, no evidence of any gunfire was discovered anywhere on campus, and no injuries were reported.

The incident resulted in the cancellation of all evening classes and activities, though the university announced that classes and campus operations would resume as scheduled the following day. Authorities are continuing to investigate the origin of the unconfirmed report, with some sources suggesting it may have been a "swatting" incident, a false report made to provoke a large emergency response.