A tense lockdown gripped the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) campus after reports of an active shooter sent students and faculty scrambling for safety on Monday afternoon.
The chaos erupted around 4:00 PM local time, prompting immediate and urgent alerts from the university's emergency system, instructing everyone on campus to "RUN HIDE FIGHT"—the standard protocol for an immediate armed threat.
Police Response and Scene Containment
Law enforcement agencies responded en masse to the scene. After a swift and coordinated operation, Chattanooga Police confirmed that one suspect was taken into custody. The lockdown was officially lifted shortly before 5:30 PM, though a heavy police presence remained as investigations continued.
Tragically, the incident resulted in a fatality. Authorities confirmed one person was found deceased at the scene. The identity of the victim or their connection to the university has not been immediately released.
Campus in Turmoil
Eyewitness accounts and social media posts from inside the lockdown painted a picture of fear and confusion. Students reported barricading themselves in classrooms, libraries, and dormitories, following emergency procedures while awaiting updates.
The university's official communications warned individuals to avoid windows and stay silent until given the all-clear. The campus, which is home to thousands of students, remained on high alert for over an hour.
Ongoing Investigation
The motive behind the shooting is currently unknown. Police have not released details about the suspect in custody or the circumstances that led to the violence. An extensive investigation is underway to piece together the events of the afternoon.
The University of Tennessee has announced that counselling services will be made available to all students and staff affected by the traumatic event.
