The University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) has lifted its lockdown after alarming reports surfaced about a person possibly walking on campus with a gun, according to an alert from the school.
In a 9:50 p.m. EST update, the university posted on X that the incident was a “false alarm” and confirmed that there was “no active attacker on campus.”
All Clear! False alarm. No active attacker on campus. More info about class cancellations, operations to come soon. September 18, 2025 pic.twitter.com/Db8aFLhNpg
— UNCW (@UNCWilmington) September 19, 2025
Initially, photos and videos circulated of a man walking with a gun on campus that has not yet been verified by police. However, the image has been circulating in a Snapchat group chat among UNCW students.
What We Know So Far
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including UNCW Police and Wilmington Police responded to the scene. Reports were surfacing on social media claiming that several gunmen were involved and that a person had been taken into custody. However, neither UNCW Police nor Wilmington Police have confirmed that information.
Around 7:33 p.m., UNCW posted on their official X account that police had received unconfirmed reports of a gunman on campus and instructed the campus community to shelter in place. In a university-wide alert, UNCW stated:
UNCW Alert! University Police have received unconfirmed reports of gunman on campus. UPD is investigating. Shelter in place at this time. pic.twitter.com/Q9qqywT4v1
— UNCW (@UNCWilmington) September 18, 2025
At 8:13 p.m., the school told students to continue to shelter in place as UPD investigated.
UNCW Alert! Continue to shelter in place. Law enforcement sweeping campus. Will update when more information available. pic.twitter.com/ogCIiYlCRV
— UNCW (@UNCWilmington) September 19, 2025
No shots were reported to have been fired, and authorities have not confirmed if a gunman has been located.
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