Police sent out an urgent alert that an armed attacker was spotted on campus.

20:52, Mon, Nov 3, 2025 Updated: 20:57, Mon, Nov 3, 2025

Majestic Architecture Under Moody Skies

UVA Police issued an 'armed attacker' warning. (Image: Getty)

The University of Virginia was on lockdown after police warned of an "armed attacker" on the campus. UVA Police said: "UVA Emergency Alert: ACTIVE ATTACKER with a gun reported in the area of Shannon Library, 160 McCormick Road. RUN HIDE FIGHT."

UVA Police Department said in an update that the buildings are locked and only people with authorised key cards or IDs can enter. University Police said they did not have any additional information to share at this point. However, the latest update is that at this point, there is no evidence of an attacker.

This is the first time since February 27 that the University has issued a "RUN, HIDE, FIGHT" message. The last time this message was issued was following an active knife attacker near Alumni Hall. 

The incident comes nearly three years after three University of Virginia football players were fatally shot and two other students were wounded on campus.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS LIVE BLOG... FOLLOW BELOW FOR UPDATES...

Police continues investigation at Shannon Library

The current update on the UVA website from 8:42pm says: "Police are continuing to investigate at Shannon Library. At this time there is no evidence of an Active Attacker. Continue to RUN-HIDE-FIGHT."

"No evidence at this time of an attack, investigation is ongoing," Brian Coy, a spokesperson for the university, said in a statement to USA TODAY.

(Image: )

12 mins ago20:46 Laura Zilincanova

'No evidence of an attacker', police say

Police said when they arrived at the scene at Shannon Library, their preliminary investigation showed 'no evidence of an attacker,' despite their prior warnings. 

15 mins ago20:43 Laura Zilincanova

Social media users express worries

There have been no further updates on the situation so far. Users on social media have expressed their worries, asking for updates.

18 mins ago20:40 Laura Zilincanova

This is the first time since February 27, when the University has issued a "RUN, HIDE, FIGHT" message. The last time this message was issued was following an active knife attacker near Alumni Hall. 

24 mins ago20:34 Laura Zilincanova

Unconfirmed reports emerge on social media

Unconfirmed reports have emerged on social media regarding the shooting at the University of Virginia. 

A Facebook user has shared a screenshot of an alert, stating that numerous shots were fired at 14:50, with two suspects involved. 

The alert described the suspect as a white male in his 30s or 40s, wearing grey pants and white T-shirt.

40 mins ago20:18 Matthew Dooley

Huge police presence at UVA library

Reports on social media have suggested a huge police response at the UVA library. 

41 mins ago20:17 Matthew Dooley

Welcome to our live coverage

There have been reports of an active shooter at the University of Virginia in the United States. We'll be bringing you the latest updates. 

Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy