CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - The University of Virginia campus was thrown into chaos tonight as an active shooter emergency triggered a massive police response and campus-wide lockdown.
Panicked students received urgent alerts ordering them to "RUN HIDE FIGHT" as law enforcement swarmed the grounds following reports of gunfire. The university's official emergency notification system blasted out warnings just after 10:30 PM local time, sending shockwaves through the academic community.
Campus Paralyzed by Security Threat
University police confirmed they were responding to "an active attacker firearm incident" in the vicinity of Culbreth Road. The immediate area was cordoned off as SWAT teams and multiple law enforcement agencies descended on the scene.
"Shelter in place. Run Hide Fight," read the stark emergency message that appeared on students' mobile devices, outlining the standard protocol for active shooter situations. The instructions leave no room for ambiguity - run if possible, hide if escape isn't feasible, and fight as an absolute last resort.
Students Barricade Amid Ongoing Danger
Social media platforms flooded with terrified posts from students trapped in libraries, dormitories, and classrooms. Many reported barricading doors and hiding in closets as police sirens wailed across the darkened campus.
One student tweeted: "Currently sheltering in place at the UVA library. Heavily armed police everywhere. This is absolutely terrifying."
The university's alert system provided regular updates, confirming the ongoing nature of the threat and warning the university community to avoid the area entirely.
Massive Law Enforcement Response
Local police departments from surrounding jurisdictions joined university police in the massive operation. Streets surrounding the campus were closed to traffic as authorities established a secure perimeter.
Emergency vehicles blocked access points while armed officers conducted building-by-building searches. The intensity of the response underscored the seriousness with which authorities were treating the threat.
University officials have established an emergency information line for concerned family members, though details remain scarce as the situation continues to develop.
This story is developing. Refresh for updates as more information becomes available about the University of Virginia active shooter situation.
