The active shooting reported at Villanova University on Thursday afternoon that sparked pandemonium during new student move-in was a “cruel hoax,” the school’s president said in a statement to the campus community.  

Students and visitors, including many families helping their children get settled, had been directed to shelter in place following what turned out to be a false alarm, according to the Radnor Township Police Department.

An alert from the university ordered everyone to stay away from the Law School Scarpa Hall, located on the West Campus near nine residence halls and a dining hall, according to a campus map. 

“Today, as we are celebrating Orientation Mass to welcome our newest Villanovans and their families to our community, panic and terror ensued with the news of a possible shooter at the Law School,” University President Rev. Peter Donohue wrote. 

People embrace after an initial report of an active shooter on Villanova’s campus caused panic. AP

“Mercifully, no one was injured, and we now know that it was a cruel hoax–there was no active shooter, no injuries and no evidence of firearms present on campus. While that is a blessing and relief, I know today’s events have shaken our entire community,” Donohue continued. 

The false report was sparked by a 911 call claiming that there was an active shooter and one deceased victim, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said.

Shortly after sending out the all-clear email to campus, Donohue spoke to the community outside a campus building.

The false report was one of many called in across the country, including to the King of Prussia mall just five minutes away from campus, Donohue said.

Alarming videos posted to X showed frantic students and families running for their lives and toppling over chairs during an outdoor mass that was being held to welcome the new students.

Thursday was the first day of new student orientation, according to the university calendar.

The law school’s orientation started Tuesday and concluded with a picnic held with the alumni association Thursday afternoon, according to posts on X. 

Toppled chairs are scattered across a lawn after people fled. AP

Droves of law enforcement officials were seen on campus responding to the active shooter threat, which turned out to be a “cruel hoax.” AP

A door with damaged glass on the Villanova campus is seen immediately after reports of an active shooter.

Federal, state and local law enforcement were both on site to assist, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro wrote on X. 

Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick said that he was “aware and monitoring the situation” and “praying” for everyone on campus.

Villanova University, a private Augustinian Catholic school just 12 miles outside of Philadelphia, costs a staggering $70,000 annually for each student. 

People shelter behind a wall at the Villanova University campus where an active shooter was reported. AP

People were instructed to shelter in place while police investigated the possible threat, which turned out to be phony. AP

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There are roughly 1,770 students in the class of 2029, according to the university’s first-year admission profile. 

Notable alumni include Pope Leo XIV, who graduated in 1977 with a mathematics degree, and former first lady Jill Biden. 

All students are supposed to start classes on Monday, according to the university’s academic calendar.

Earlier this afternoon, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was placed under lockdown after an unfounded active shooter alert.