BREAKING: Shots fired at UMass Boston sparks massive police response

Shots Fired at UMass Boston: SWAT Teams Respond as Students Flee in Panic

BOSTON, MA — Chaos erupted at the University of Massachusetts Boston on Thursday afternoon when gunfire was reported at a hall of residence, prompting a swift response from SWAT teams and sending terrified students running for safety. The incident, which unfolded around 1:00 PM PDT on September 11, 2025, has left the campus community shaken and authorities scrambling to secure the area.

According to eyewitness accounts, the sound of gunshots echoed through the residential area of the campus, sparking immediate panic. “I heard loud pops, and everyone just started screaming and running,” said sophomore Emily Carter, who was studying nearby when the incident began. “It was terrifying—we didn’t know what was happening or where it was coming from.”

Boston Police and SWAT units descended on the scene within minutes, cordoning off the residence hall and urging students to shelter in place or evacuate to designated safe zones. University officials issued an emergency alert, instructing students and staff to avoid the area and follow law enforcement directives. Videos circulating on social media showed heavily armed officers moving tactically through the campus, while students fled in all directions, some clutching backpacks and others visibly distraught.

Details about the incident remain scarce as authorities work to piece together what happened. Initial reports suggest the gunfire may have originated inside or near one of the residence halls, though it’s unclear whether the shooter or shooters were targeting specific individuals or acting at random. No injuries have been confirmed at this time, but police have not yet declared the campus safe, and a suspect has not been publicly identified.

UMass Boston Chancellor Maria Alvarez issued a brief statement, saying, “Our priority is the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and will provide updates as soon as possible.” Classes have been canceled for the remainder of the day, and counseling services are being made available to students affected by the traumatic event.

The incident comes amid heightened national concerns about campus safety, with several universities across the country grappling with similar incidents in recent years. As the investigation unfolds, students and parents are left anxiously awaiting answers. “I just want to know my friends are okay,” said junior Malik Thompson, who was evacuated to a nearby parking lot. “This is supposed to be a safe place.”Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The university has promised to release additional details as the situation stabilizes. For now, the UMass Boston community remains on edge as SWAT teams continue their sweep of the campus, and the investigation into the shots fired presses on.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

BOSTON — There was a report of shots fired at UMass Boston, prompting a large police response on campus Thursday afternoon, the Boston Police Department confirmed. Shots were reported at 3:45 p.m. near 240 Morrissey Boulevard at the campus's location in Dorchester.

Shots have been fired at the University of Massachusetts in Boston, sparking a massive police response on Thursday afternoon.

Dozens of students and staff were seen fleeing for their lives after gunshots rang out at the school's campus in Dorchester, the Boston Police Department confirmed.

Several UMass Boston alerts warned students that the incident is a 'public safety threat' and is in or near a residence hall in the school's East Building. 

The urgent alert came just hours after multiple colleges across the country were put on lockdown over a series of bomb and terror threats. 

UMass's shooting occurred one day after conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot at Utah Valley University.

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