CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WSMV) – Update (1:40 p.m.): Local Chattanooga officials held a press conference following the false report of an active shooter at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s campus on Thursday morning.
Officials said that one of the initial 911 callers reported they saw a person with a rifle, which prompted a mass response.
Following a search of the campus, no threat was found, and no injuries were reported in this incident. The students and faculty have been released for the day, with classes resuming on Friday morning.
Several agencies are investigating the 911 call that reported the active shooter.
Update (12:53 p.m.): The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga reports that the campus has been cleared and the lockdown has been lifted.
UTC added that law enforcement found no evidence of a threat.
“All classes & activities are cancelled until 8/22 at 8:00 AM. All students and non-essential employees may leave campus for the day,” UTC said.
Update (12:43 p.m.): The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga reports that law enforcement is continuing to search the campus following the report of an active shooter earlier on Thursday.
At this time, no threat has been identified, UTC said in its latest update.
Update: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has released a new update in regards to the lockdown on campus on Thursday.
“UTC ALERT: All individuals on the UTC campus should remain on lockdown. Do not move unless directed by law enforcement. Campus facilities are currently being searched by police.”
@THPChattanooga and TN Office of Homeland Security Agents on the scene of a reported active shooter on the campus of the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, assisting local authorities who are leading the investigation. Still gathering facts & they will have official info soon pic.twitter.com/OYfvQnq3zs
— Tennessee Highway Patrol (@TNHighwayPatrol) August 21, 2025
Earlier: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Police and the Chattanooga Police Department are investigating a possible shooting on campus.
The university put out the following message at about 11:55 a.m.:
“UTC ALERT: Possible active shooter in the University Center or Library. Run. Hide. Fight. More info forthcoming.”
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Meanwhile, CPD reports that the campus is on lockdown and is urging the public to avoid the area.
UPDATE: CPD is working with @UTCPD to confirm Shots Fired reports that were called in. At this time, we have not located any victims. https://t.co/kE7OWatX1d
— Chattanooga Police Department (@ChattanoogaPD) August 21, 2025
CPD and UTCPD are investigating shots-fired reports that were called in. No victims have been found at this time.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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