Crime
No active shooter, no evidence of shots fired at University of Massachusetts Lowell
LOWELL, Mass. — Police confirmed Wednesday evening that at no point was there an active shooter situation on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML), despite earlier reports and a widely circulated video showing a person walking with what appeared to be a rifle.
Authorities say there is also no evidence that any shots were fired.
The incident began after reports surfaced of a possibly armed individual near Riverview Suites on UML’s South Campus.
A video shared online appeared to show an Asian male, approximately 5’5” tall, wearing a gray or white sweatshirt and black shorts, carrying a long weapon.
In response, multiple law enforcement agencies, including Lowell Police, Massachusetts State Police (MSP), SWAT, and the FBI, rushed to the scene to secure the area and investigate.
As a precaution, an emergency alert was issued to the university community, and a shelter-in-place order was put in effect for UML’s South Campus, covering the area between Marginal Street and the Lowell Humane Society.
By late evening, officials confirmed the lockdown had been lifted after determining there was no active threat.
During the lockdown, precautionary measures were taken for students across the city.
Members of the Bartlett and Stoklosa Cross Country teams were confirmed to be safely sheltering inside their schools.
School buses transporting students experienced delays due to road closures and traffic rerouting.
Officials stated that any student unable to reach their designated bus stop because of the lockdown would be redirected to the Moody School for pickup.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
While there have been no confirmed arrests, agencies are continuing to review the video and follow up on leads.
The Massachusetts State Police and FBI Boston confirmed they are actively coordinating with local law enforcement partners.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and to avoid spreading unverified information.
Anyone with credible information related to the incident is asked to call 911.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.