UMass Lowell Shooting: Reports of an Armed Person Spark Massive Response

Liputan6.com, Jakarta On September 3, 2025, the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) became the center of attention after reports of an armed individual being seen on campus.

The incident quickly prompted a large-scale emergency response from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Lowell Police Department, the UMass Lowell Police Department, and the FBI Boston.

Although an emergency alert was issued and a campus-wide shelter-in-place order was implemented, authorities categorically stated that the incident was not an active shooter situation.

UMass Lowell campus under shelter-in-place: Police searching for 5’5” Asian male, gray/white sweatshirt, black shorts, carrying a long weapon near Riverview Suites. #University_of_Massachusetts #ShootingStudents advised to stay inside and “run, hide, fight” until further… pic.twitter.com/BqYKKuWMuj

— GeoTechWar (@geotechwar) September 3, 2025

The incident, which caused a stir on the UMass Lowell campus, reportedly occurred on Wednesday afternoon, September 3, 2025, at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time.

The location of the incident was identified behind Riverview Suites, a student residence located on UMass Lowell's South Campus.

Witnesses described the suspect as an Asian male approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall (165 cm). He was seen wearing a gray or white T-shirt and black shorts.

Most concerningly, the suspect was seen carrying what was described as a "long gun" or "long rifle."

"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," state police wrote in a social media post.

"State and Local Police have responded to the area to further investigate. Anyone with relevant information should call 911."

In response to the report, UMass Lowell took swift action by issuing a campus-wide “shelter-in-place” order.

This order instructed students and staff to shelter in place and remain indoors until further notice, and canceled all remaining classes and events for the day.

The police response was extensive, involving units from the Lowell Police Department, UMass Lowell Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, FBI Boston, and the NEMLEC SWAT team.

The public was asked to avoid the area surrounding campus, including Middlesex, Pawtucket, and Broadway streets.

The “shelter-in-place” order was finally lifted around 5:15 p.m. local time, after an extensive law enforcement search determined that the suspect was no longer in the area.

However, a heavy police presence remained on campus, with officers stationed in every student residence hall overnight to ensure the safety and well-being of the UMass Lowell community.

#WATCH : Lowell police chief Ron Dickerson provides update on lockdown, person possibly armed with gun.The UMass Lowell campus was locked down for several hours after video showed a man walking with what appeared to be a gun near a residence hall. UMass Lowell Police Chief… pic.twitter.com/QVmfXkMs1A

— upuknews (@upuknews1) September 4, 2025

Police, including Lowell Police Chief Ron Dickerson, have firmly stated that the incident at UMass Lowell was not an active shooter situation.

There were no reports of shots fired or injuries recorded during the incident.

Some sources also suggest that the initial alert may have originated from a prank call or a report that was later clarified.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident and working to locate the individual seen carrying the weapon.

Rep Lori Trahan said she is actively monitoring the situation. "If you are in Lowell, please follow directions from @LowellPD and @UMassLowell," Trahan wrote in an X post.