Active Shooter Alert Prompts Evacuation at University of South Florida Tampa Campus

TAMPA, Fla. - An active shooter alert prompted an immediate evacuation of the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus library on Saturday afternoon, as students and staff sought safety amid reports of gunfire.

According to social media accounts, campus police ordered patrons to leave the library after shots were allegedly fired inside the building. Witnesses described a heavy law enforcement response, with multiple squad cars surrounding the facility and a helicopter hovering overhead.

One student, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “We were just evacuated from the library on USF Tampa Campus for shots fired in the library. I am safe and so is everyone on the first floor in the student commons too.” The student added that responders moved swiftly, securing the scene and guiding evacuees to a safe distance from the library entrance.

As of 8:00 p.m. ET, the Tampa Police Department had not issued an official statement regarding the incident. Campus officials directed concerned parties to seek updates through the university’s emergency notification system and USF’s official social media channels. No injuries have been confirmed, and classes scheduled for the remainder of the day were canceled pending further information.

University leadership has emphasized ongoing cooperation with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of all students and staff. An investigation remains active, and the campus community is advised to monitor official communications for updates.