UTC Campus Lockdown After Shooting Report

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The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) went into lockdown on August 21, 2025, after reports of possible gunfire near the University Center or library raised fears of an active shooter on campus.

Around 12:40 p.m. Eastern Time, UTC issued an emergency alert urging students and staff to “Run. Hide. Fight” and remain locked down “unless directed by law enforcement.” Police searched multiple campus facilities while students sheltered in classrooms and offices.

Local law enforcement agencies, including the Chattanooga Police Department and UTC Police, responded immediately. The Tennessee Highway Patrol and the FBI’s Nashville field office also assisted in securing the area and coordinating the response. Some students reported hearing what they believed were gunshots, while others observed officers “tracing the shooter,” according to accounts shared with The Mirror.

By approximately 1:40 p.m., authorities completed their search and confirmed there was no active threat, no injuries, and no evidence of gunfire. The lockdown was lifted at around 1:53 p.m., and all classes and events for the remainder of the day were canceled as a precautionary measure.

UTC officials stated that the emergency communication system functioned as intended, alerting the campus community within minutes of the initial report. Law enforcement has not disclosed the source of the reported gunfire, and the investigation remains ongoing in cooperation with federal agencies.

Emphasis on Preparedness

The incident occurred during the first week of classes, highlighting the importance of active shooter preparedness on U.S. campuses. University safety experts continue to emphasize the “Run, Hide, Fight” protocol: evacuate when possible, barricade rooms if evacuation is unsafe, and follow all law enforcement instructions closely.

Authorities urged students and staff to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to campus police immediately. Although no confirmed threat was found in this case, officials said the quick response minimized risk and ensured the safety of more than 11,000 students and staff present during the alert.