Update:
5:06 p.m. Sept. 5, 2025: Updated with a university statement.
An active shooter alert at Southern Methodist University was mistakenly sent Friday as part of a campus-wide security test, according to emails obtained by The Dallas Morning News.
A brief email sent about 12:45 p.m. Friday from SMU Aware, the university’s hub for emergency information, stated the school would be testing its indoor emergency notification system and electronic exterior door locking capabilities at 3:50 p.m.
At the test’s scheduled time, a text sent to students, staff and parents read “Active shooter reported on campus. Avoid. Deny. Defend. Police are responding. More info soon.”
This is a test of SMU’s emergency notification system. In the event of a campuswide incident, this channel may be used to communicate essential information.
— SMU Aware (@SMUAware) September 5, 2025
The Education Lab
In a written statement sent to The News, a university spokesperson said the message “was inadvertently initiated” during the planned test, adding there was never a danger to campus.
“We understand the unexpected message may have caused concern,” the statement said. “Regular testing is an important step in making sure that, in the unlikely event of a real emergency, our community can be reached quickly and effectively.
“The test is now complete, and normal activities have resumed.”
Staff writer Sury Chakraborty contributed to this report.