UMass Lowell on Lockdown After Reports of Armed Man on Campus

The suspected gunman was seen aiming an apparent rifle at college buildings as the university put students and staff under a shelter-in-place alert

The University of Massachusetts Lowell was placed on lockdown Wednesday afternoon after reports of a possible active shooter walking near campus buildings with what appeared to be a rifle.

Students and staff were ordered to shelter in place as police launched a manhunt for the suspect, described as a 5’5” Asian man wearing a gray or white sweatshirt, black shorts, and carrying a long weapon. He was last seen near the Riverview Suites residence hall on South Campus.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is on lockdown following reports of a possible active shooter on campus

Massachusetts State Police, FBI agents, and local law enforcement responded to the scene, creating a heavy police presence around campus. Authorities confirmed there have been no reports of shots fired but urged the public to avoid the area and remain vigilant while the search continues.

“We are aware of a video circulating of a person who appears to be armed walking in Lowell near the Riverview Suites on Middlesex Street,” Massachusetts State Police said in a statement. “Anyone with relevant information should call 911.”

There is currently a heavy police presence on the campus as officers search for the suspect

Lowell Mayor Daniel Rourke said the city is “utilizing all available resources at this time,” while Congresswoman Lori Trahan confirmed she was in touch with officials and monitoring the situation.

A university spokesperson said: “Police from UMass Lowell and the city of Lowell were alerted this afternoon to reports of a male on South Campus carrying an object suspected of being a firearm. A campus-wide shelter-in-place order has been issued as officers attempt to find this individual.”

The university issued a shelter-in-place alert to students and staff as police launch a manhunt for the suspect

The FBI confirmed it is assisting with the investigation.

UMass Lowell, which has approximately 18,000 undergraduate and graduate students—including more than 3,700 living in residence halls—remains on high alert as officers continue their search.

The incident follows a surge of “swatting” hoaxes targeting universities across the U.S. as students return to campus for the fall semester.