Crime
False shooting alert at UMass Boston near East Hall
Multiple Swatting Incidents Reported Across City, Including False Shooting Threat at UMass Boston
Boston Police confirmed Thursday that they are investigating a series of swatting calls across the city, including a reported active shooter situation at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Authorities have since clarified that no shots were fired and no victims were located. Law enforcement remains on scene to ensure campus safety and confirm the false nature of the threats.
Police have reported the incident on campus all clear. There is no ongoing threat to the community.
The incident initially caused widespread alarm after several students and community members reported hearing what they believed to be gunfire.
Emergency responders, including Boston Police, campus police, and multiple ambulances, flooded the area as a precautionary measure.
Two female students living in campus housing stated they were able to contact friends inside the residence halls, who reported being instructed to shelter in place until the situation was resolved.
The University of Massachusetts Boston issued a first social media alert describing the matter as a โpolice incident.โ
A short time later, the university elevated its advisory, calling it a โpublic safety threat.โ
Initial posts indicated the incident originated at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, which is located adjacent to the UMass Boston campus.
Follow-up alerts redirected focus to a residence hall, where students were told to remain inside their rooms.
At this time, Boston Police and UMass Boston Police have confirmed that the reports of an active shooter were unfounded. No evidence of a shooting has been discovered, and no injuries have been reported.
Officials stated that the incident is part of a pattern of swatting calls made across Boston on Thursday. Swatting involves making false emergency reports to prompt a large law enforcement response.
The university has urged the public and students to remain cautious but reassured the community that there is no ongoing threat. Additional information will be provided as the investigation continues.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. โ Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.