Is There a UMass Boston Shooting Today? Police Respond to Reports of Gunman on Campus

Students and staff at the University of Massachusetts Boston faced a tense evening after reports of a possible shooting near Residence Hall East. The alert was issued Thursday around 3:45 p.m. local time. Police told the public to avoid the campus while officers secured the area.

Authorities said early reports suggested a man with a firearm near the Edward M. Kennedy Institute and Residence Hall East. Boston Police and Massachusetts State Police responded in large numbers. UMass Boston canceled all classes and activities for the evening as a safety measure.

UMass Boston Alert and Police Response

UMass Boston issued a campus-wide alert warning of a police incident. The first message told students to avoid the Campus Center and Residence Hall East. Later updates asked the community to stay clear until further notice.

According to Massachusetts State Police, troopers joined Boston Police at the scene. Officials said there was an “unconfirmed report of a shooting on campus.” Some photos on social media showed a man with what looked like a gun, though witnesses suggested the person may have been an officer.

Local radio also reported confusion about a possible hazmat situation involving a suspicious doll left behind with a note. Police have not confirmed any threat linked to that report. Boston Police stressed that no victims had been found, and no shots were confirmed.

Reports of Shots Fired Still Unconfirmed

Boston media reported possible gunfire at 240 Morrissey Boulevard near UMass Boston. A local outlet said shots might have been fired shortly before 4:00 p.m. However, police have not verified these claims.

A community alert page said several swatting calls were reported across Boston around the same time. It added that there were no confirmed injuries and no confirmed shots fired. Officers remain on scene to check all areas and ensure safety.

UMass Boston urged students and faculty to stay away from the affected buildings until further notice. Many students reported evacuations and confusion as alarms went off. The university said updates would be provided as soon as possible.

At this time, police have not confirmed an active shooter at UMass Boston. The incident remains under investigation.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is there a shooting at UMass Boston today?

Police received reports of a possible shooter near Residence Hall East on Sept. 11, 2025. No shots or victims have been confirmed so far.

Q2: What areas of UMass Boston were affected?

Students were told to avoid Residence Hall East, the Campus Center, and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute. Police secured the area with multiple units.

Q3: Were classes canceled at UMass Boston?

Yes. UMass Boston announced that all classes and activities were canceled Thursday evening due to the incident.

Q4: Did police confirm shots fired?

No. Boston Police said no victims were found and no shots have been confirmed. The investigation is ongoing.

Q5: Was this linked to a swatting call?

Yes. A local alert page noted multiple swatting calls across Boston. This may have been part of the same wave of false reports.