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.
CHICAGO — Authorities have launched an investigation following a fatal overnight shooting that occurred on the city’s South Side, leaving one man dead.
According to the Chicago Police Department, the incident took place shortly after 11:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 100 block of West 44th Street, within the Grand Boulevard neighborhood.
Officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire and a person shot.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 28-year-old man lying unresponsive on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head.
The victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Police have not yet released the identity of the victim, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation. No arrests have been made at this time.
Detectives from the CPD Area One unit are leading the investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Area One detectives at 312-747-8380 or call 911.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at CPDtip.com to assist investigators.