Active Attacker Reported at Shannon Library

Article contributions from Kyra Graham and Henry Brown.

At 3:05 p.m. this afternoon, UVA released a mass text through the UVA Emergency Notification System stating “UVA Emergency Alert: ACTIVE ATTACKER with a gun reported in the area of Shannon Library 160 McCormick Road. RUN HIDE FIGHT.” All individuals on Grounds were encouraged to shelter in place until further information was known, and the police began an investigation around the building.

At 3:09 p.m., according to the public police radio, the police were notified of potential students barricaded inside Shannon Library in a room on the third floor and a bathroom in the basement.

At 3:14 p.m., the University released a follow-up statement stating that the University Police Department had reported to the scene and was handling the situation. The University also announced that academic buildings would be access-only. 

Students reported seeing dozens of police cars around Shannon Library and further north along Emmett Street. A police report stated that shots were heard in the area, and a potential suspect was believed to be carrying an AR-15.

At 3:32 p.m., listeners to the police radio say students were reported to be barricaded inside the Special Collections Library.

At 3:41 p.m., the University stated that despite significant investigation at Shannon Library, there was no evidence of an active attacker, but that students were still encouraged to shelter in place. Similar sentiments were shared on the public police radio, expressing that “no one has seen an active assailant at all, nor has heard of potential injuries.”

At 3:58 p.m. and 4:13 p.m., the University released additional statements stating that there is no evidence an attack had occurred.

At 4:43 p.m.. the University concluded that the situation at Shannon Library is all clear: “After extensive investigation, police identified no evidence of attack or threat on UVA Grounds or nearby.” The police are continuing to investigate allegations of a false report.

This story is developing and will be updated with further information.