Villanova University issued an emergency alert for an active shooter on its suburban Philadelphia campus late Thursday afternoon, ordering students, faculty and nearby residents to shelter in place. The notification, circulated around 4:30 p.m. local time, directed the campus community to lock and barricade doors and to avoid the vicinity of John F. Scarpa Hall at the law school. Radnor Township police said they were on the scene, joined by Pennsylvania State Police and federal agencies, as they searched buildings and grounds. Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed that state and federal law-enforcement officers were assisting local authorities and urged the public to steer clear of the area. The incident occurred during new-student orientation and just four days before classes are scheduled to begin. Authorities have not released information on casualties or a suspect, and the university said updates would follow as the investigation continues.
Students at Villanova University are being told to find a secure location due to reports of a possible active shooter. New video shows authorities responding to the scene and being pointed to the Law School of Scarpa Hall. Get the latest here: https://t.co/J67c7K6A9M https://t.co/526s2yy7n1
Police rush to the scene of Villanova University following reports of an active shooter https://t.co/k1ao2Wxtl5
BREAKING: Villanova University students are being told to shelter in place by Radnor Police Department as the shooter remains active. https://t.co/UNUsIYhWIE