UMass Boston: ‘No ongoing threat’ after unconfirmed report of shooting
Editor's note: This story was updated at 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Sept. 11, 2025, to add comments from the University of Massachusetts Boston spokesperson and chancellor.
The University of Massachusetts Boston confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public after an unconfirmed report of a shooting drew a large police presence Thursday.
"Police have reported the incident on campus all clear," the university said at about 5:11 p.m. "There is no ongoing threat to the community."
All classes and university activities were canceled for Thursday evening but will resume as scheduled Friday, according to an email from UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco.
No shots were fired on the campus, Dewayne Lehman, director of communication for the university, told MassLive. He did not provide further information.
Sophomore Will Flejter said he was at the campus center when he saw a group of people running across campus, saying there was a shooter.
Flejter, who grew up in Connecticut not far from where the Sandy Hook shooting took place, called his mom to tell her he loved her, just in case.
He is upset by the lack of gun control laws to prevent school shootings.
"Regardless of whether or not it's a shooter, it's terrifying. It could've been," he said. "We're primarily 18 to 22 year olds, here to pursue an education and a life, and enjoy our college years. … These shouldn't be normal experiences."
Suárez-Orozco said counseling services are available for students, faculty and staff.
"We know how unsettling this incident was, especially for those on campus who experienced the large public safety response and campus-wide sweep, as well as for all of your families, friends, and loved ones. Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and resilience during this difficult moment," she wrote.
The Boston Police Department had responded to a report of shots fired in the area of 240 Morrissey Blvd. on the campus at about 3:40 p.m. Thursday.
"Multiple units responded and are actively investigating the building and surrounding area," a police spokesperson said at about 5 p.m. "At this time, there has been no confirmation of shots fired and no confirmation of any individuals with firearms on campus.
Massachusetts State Police issued a statement stating they arrived at the campus due to "an unconfirmed report of a shooting on campus."
Students were allowed back into buildings at about 5:13 p.m.
Even after the all-clear was given, some students expressed frustration at the situation.
Last week, a campus-wide shelter-in-place was issued at UMass Lowell in response to a report of an armed man on campus. Public safety officials said at the time it was "never an active-shooter situation" and there were no reports of shots for that incident.
The following day, police identified a boy who carried an airsoft replica gun that prompted the large law enforcement response. His name was not released and he was not arrested, police said.
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