Police clear UMass Boston after unconfirmed shooting report

A significant police response occurred at the University of Massachusetts Boston on Thursday afternoon following an unconfirmed report of shots fired on campus. The incident was first reported around 3:45 p.m. near the Residence Hall East building on Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester. Massachusetts State Police, along with local law enforcement agencies, were dispatched to investigate the situation, creating a heavy police presence as officers searched buildings. They carried their firearms drawn, prompting alarm among students and faculty. Many students reported feeling fear and confusion during the chaos as armed officers entered buildings to ensure all individuals were evacuated. In the aftermath of the unconfirmed report, UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco communicated reassurances to the campus community. University alerts indicated a potential public safety threat in or near the Residence Hall East, causing immediate concern and disruption to campus activities. Students described the tense moments; some were ordered to exit buildings without their shoes or personal belongings while officials carried out searches. The swift police response indicated a commitment to ensuring safety, yet also raised anxieties about potential violence on campuses, a concern that has heightened nationwide over recent months. After thorough investigations, law enforcement concluded that there was no evidence to support claims of a shooting on campus, and no injuries were reported. UMass Boston released notifications declaring that the campus was clear and a subsequent alert was sent confirming there was no ongoing threat to the community. This incident coincided with a broader context of similar hoax calls reported across the U.S., leading authorities to be cautious in their response while seeking to prevent real dangers in educational environments. As a result of the incident, UMass Boston announced that classes and campus activities would resume as scheduled on Friday. Authorities later urged anyone with relevant information about the report to come forward as they continued their investigation. The university acknowledged the unsettling nature of the event and offered counseling services for students affected by the stressful situation. The incident reflects ongoing concerns regarding safety on college campuses and the impact of scares amplified by recent patterns of false reports across the nation.