CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — UTC Students and Staff Face Lockdown Amid Reports of Possible Active Threat Incident
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — UTC Students and Staff Face Lockdown Amid Reports of Possible Active Threat Incident
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) enacted an immediate campus lockdown Thursday afternoon after reports surfaced of a potential active threat on campus. Authorities advised all students, faculty, and staff to seek shelter and remain indoors until further notice.
According to university officials, the lockdown was initiated as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of everyone on campus. Emergency notifications were sent out via text, email, and the university alert system, instructing members to stay away from windows and secure themselves in classrooms or offices.
Chattanooga police responded promptly, deploying officers across key areas of the campus. Multiple law enforcement vehicles were observed near the campus entrance, while tactical units coordinated with campus security to secure buildings and assess potential risks.
Witnesses reported seeing students and faculty moving quickly into secured areas, some using desks and chairs to barricade doors. The atmosphere on campus was tense as emergency personnel worked to gather information about the situation.
Officials emphasized that there was no immediate confirmation of anyone being harmed, but they urged caution due to the seriousness of the reports. The university stressed the importance of following all safety instructions until authorities declared the campus safe.
Local authorities have set up a perimeter around the university while investigating the reports. Police stated that they were conducting a thorough sweep of the campus to ensure there were no active threats and to gather any potential evidence related to the incident.
Parents and family members of students expressed concern as they monitored updates online. The university’s communication channels were actively providing information to the public, urging everyone to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified reports.
Psychological support services were made available to students and staff affected by the lockdown. University counselors and local mental health professionals were on standby to assist anyone experiencing stress or anxiety due to the unfolding situation.
While the lockdown remained in effect, campus transportation was suspended, and classes were canceled until authorities confirmed the area was secure. Students were instructed to remain in place and refrain from using their phones for non-essential communication to prevent distraction from safety directives.
Authorities assured the public that the situation was being handled with the highest level of precaution and professionalism. Updates from law enforcement and the university were expected as the investigation continued, and the community was encouraged to remain vigilant but calm.
