Active Shooter Report Was Hoax, Villanova University Says

VILLANOVA, PA — Villanova University said its campus has been cleared and the community no longer needs to shelter in place after what officials said was a hoax report of an active shooter.

The update comes about two hours after Radnor Police and the university issued alerts about a potential active shooter on the school's campus.

In a statement, the university said its Department of Public Safety received an anonymous report of an active shooter in the Charles Widger School of Law around 4:30 p.m.

Authorities responded immediately.

After a thorough search, officials confirmed the report was a hoax and that there was no firearm on campus and no injuries.

"We know this false report caused fear and disruption as we begin our academic year," the statement reads. "We are deeply grateful to our Public Safety team, Radnor Police, local law enforcement, and our staff and student leaders for responding swiftly and compassionately. We are grateful that our community is safe."

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said authorities, including federal partners, are investigating the hoax.

"This is a crime," he said Thursday afternoon.

Shortly before 5 p.m., Radnor police said they were at the scene and told all students and nearby residents to shelter in place. Students are being told only to move when a law enforcement officer guides them, police said.

An alert issued by the university urged the public to stay away from John F. Scarpa Hall.

Radnor police and other law enforcement worked to clear buildings at the university.

The incident unfolded as students arrived on campus for the 2025-26 academic year.