This is a developing story…
An active shooter has been reported at Villanova University — a private Catholic university in Pennsylvania.
Notably, the university is the alma mater of Pope Leo XIV.
Reportedly, the shooting started while the incoming freshman students were attending mass.
They have now been given orders to shelter in place.
No victims have been reported, at this time, and police are on the scene investigating.
Here’s what we know so far:
BREAKING: ACTIVE SH00TER AT VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY IN PA
Students are receiving alerts to LOCK AND BARRICADE DOORS
The shootlng reportedly began during Villanova’s First Year Student mass.
CasuaIties unknown
Pray for these students, many of which were attending mass
pic.twitter.com/0ziKt64RbC
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 21, 2025
NEW: Active shooter reported at Villanova University during the school’s first-year student mass, according to the New York Post.
Students were told to lock and barricade doors.
“Radnor police dispatch have confirmed an active shooter situation on Villanova University’s… pic.twitter.com/QzdlqoNfVp
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 21, 2025
NEW: Active shooter reported at Villanova University during the school’s first-year student mass, according to the New York Post.
Students were told to lock and barricade doors.
“Radnor police dispatch have confirmed an active shooter situation on Villanova University’s campus,” NBC reported.
“The alert came during an opening mass ceremony as 1,800 students move in to begin a new school year.”
BREAKING: Villanova University has issued a warning for an active shooter on its Pennsylvania campus.
The school told students to stay clear of Law School Scarpa Hall. https://t.co/o5rSDL3Fjy pic.twitter.com/clxPHWv6de
— ABC News (@ABC) August 21, 2025
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro released this statement:
The @PAStatePolice and local and federal law enforcement are onsite at Villanova University responding to reports of an active shooter.
Avoid the area and follow the direction of local authorities. We will share additional information as it becomes available.
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) August 21, 2025
It appears to be the first-year freshman students’ first day on campus, according to the university’s website.
CBS News reported:
There’s no word on whether there are any shooting victims.
ADVERTISEMENTRadnor police are telling students and nearby residents to shelter in place.
Thursday was “opening day” at Villanova, which included a family resource fair and info sessions, orientation, opening Mass and a family picnic, according to a schedule posted on the university’s website.
CNN has more:
Police are responding to a report of an active shooter at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, according a post by the Radnor Township Police Department on its Facebook page.
All nearby residents and students are being asked to shelter in place.
People on campus are also being asked to stay clear of Law School Scarpa Hall, move to a secure location and to lock or barricade doors, the university posted on its website.
The reports came hours after the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga sent an active-shooter alert and the campus went on lockdown. Police later said the authorities found “no evidence of a threat.” Authorities are investigating the Tennessee incident as a possible case of swatting, a law enforcement source told CNN.
We’ll keep you updated on any further developments.
In the meantime, please pray for the safety of everyone on campus.
