UMass Lowell Shelter-in-Place Trigger Identified as Juvenile with Replica Airsoft Gun

LOWELL, Mass. - University and city police confirmed on Thursday, September 4, that the individual whose appearance on video prompted Wednesday’s shelter-in-place order at UMass Lowell was a juvenile carrying an airsoft replica firearm.

According to police reports, alerts went out to students, faculty, and staff shortly before 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday after campus security received video showing a person with what appeared to be a long gun near the Riverview Suites dormitory. Authorities-including Lowell Police, Massachusetts State Police, the FBI, and UMass Lowell Police-launched a large-scale search and placed the campus under lockdown for nearly three hours. No shots were fired and no injuries were reported.

On Thursday morning, Lowell police disclosed that the suspect captured in the footage had been located and identified as a juvenile male. Further investigation determined the weapon in his possession was an airsoft replica, not a real firearm. Police have not indicated whether the juvenile will face any charges, and no additional safety threats remain on campus. Classes resumed as scheduled Thursday with an increased law enforcement presence and additional counseling resources made available for students and staff.