University of Virginia Locks Down Amid Active Shooter Reports near Shannon Library

On Monday afternoon, the University of Virginia in Charlottesville was placed on lockdown after reports of an active shooter near the Shannon Library prompted police to issue emergency alerts instructing students and faculty to run, hide, and fight as a precaution. Despite the initial warnings, police later confirmed that their preliminary investigation found no evidence of an attacker, though the area remained under investigation and community members were urged to stay clear until an all-clear was given. The campus police and Charlottesville Fire Department responded promptly to the scene, coordinating efforts to ensure safety. The Shannon Library, a significant academic building, was the focus of the reported incident, but authorities have so far found no proof of shots fired or an active threat. This incident follows other heightened security measures at UVA earlier in the year, including a shelter-in-place order in February for a different threat. The university, which has over 26,600 students, has also been noted recently for its substantial spending on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.