Police Respond to Shots Fired Reports at UMass Boston Campus

Lead: Police and emergency teams swarmed the UMass Boston campus Thursday after reports of shots fired near Residence Hall East on Morrissey Boulevard at about 3:45 p.m., though no victims have been identified and authorities are probing the incident.

Nut Graf: The alert prompted UMass Boston to issue “public safety threat” notices via text and email, warning students and staff to avoid the area around the Campus Center and Residence Hall East. Boston Police, campus security and EMS units staged a large response amid concerns that the call may have been a hoax, echoing similar false reports nationwide this week.

Rapid Response

• Officers arrived within minutes of the 3:45 p.m. call, establishing a perimeter around 240 Morrissey Boulevard.
• Boston EMS positioned multiple units to treat potential casualties.
• Campus alerts advised sheltering in place and avoiding corridors between the Campus Center and Residence Hall East.

Investigation Under Way

• Boston Police are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to determine if shots were actually fired or if the alert stemmed from a hoax.
• UMass Boston’s Office of Emergency Management is coordinating with local law enforcement to secure the campus and assist students requiring support.
• No injuries or confirmed evidence of gunfire have been reported as of 7 p.m. Thursday.

Context and Campus Reaction

• In recent weeks, several universities nationwide have faced false reports of on-campus shootings, taxing emergency resources and heightening anxiety among students.
• UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco expressed gratitude for the swift multi-agency response and pledged a full debrief once the investigation concludes.
• Counseling services and student support centers remain open to address any trauma or concerns stemming from today’s events.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.