Authorities responded to reports of an active shooter at Villanova University Thursday afternoon, prompting immediate lockdown orders across the campus and surrounding areas.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., the university’s emergency alert system issued the message: “ACTIVE SHOOTER on VU campus. Move to secure location. Lock/barricade doors. More info to follow,” according to NBC Philadelphia. Minutes later, Radnor Township Police confirmed the report, stating officers were actively responding to the situation on school grounds.
Radnor Township Police Department are on location at Villanova University for a repot of an active shooter. All nearby residents and students are asked to SHELTER IN PLACE AT this time.
All further information will come from the Office of the Superintendent of Police.
#308
— RadnorPD (@RadnorPD) August 21, 2025
The @PAStatePolice and local and federal law enforcement are onsite at Villanova University responding to reports of an active shooter.
Avoid the area and follow the direction of local authorities. We will share additional information as it becomes available.
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) August 21, 2025
By 5 p.m., Villanova officials issued a follow-up alert urging students and staff to avoid Scarpa Hall, home to the university’s law school. “ACTIVE SHOOTER Incident Warning: Police on scene. Move to secure location. Lock/barricade doors. More info to follow. Stay Clear of Law School Scarpa Hall,” the university warned, NBC Philadelphia reported.
The Radnor Township Police Department said it would provide all future updates through the Office of the Superintendent of Police. As of early evening, authorities had not released information about casualties, a suspect, or the motive behind the shooting.
This is a developing story.
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