Did armed man invade UMass Lowell campus? Here’s what to know
UMass Lowell Campus on Lockdown as Police Hunt Possible Armed Man
The University of Massachusetts Lowell was placed on lockdown Wednesday after reports emerged of a man on campus believed to be carrying a firearm.
School officials confirmed that a shelter-in-place order had been issued as officers searched for the individual, who was only described as male. Police activity was concentrated near Riverview Suites on the South Campus, where video circulating online appeared to show someone walking with a weapon.
Massachusetts State Police acknowledged the footage and urged anyone with information to immediately contact 911. As of Wednesday afternoon, it was unclear if any injuries had been reported.
Umass Lowell has got a Weapons alert. No bullets fired, (according to the UML Reddit) supposedly a man with a weapon is in the Lowell area and was on Campus. Shelter in Place still in effect pic.twitter.com/9vYAukDuSC
— jfpstanley (@jfpstanley) September 3, 2025
The university issued multiple alerts warning students and staff to avoid the South Campus dormitory area while the investigation unfolded.
Rep. Lori Trahan, whose district includes Lowell, said in a post on social media that she was “actively monitoring the alert of a potentially armed individual near UMass Lowell’s South Campus” and is in contact with local officials. She urged residents and students to follow instructions from campus and city police.
If you're at UMass Lowell right now, be safe.
— Only In Boston (@OnlyInBOS) September 3, 2025
🚨🇺🇸#BREAKING | NEWS ⚠️
Massive manhunt on UMass Lowell campus as a man was seen carrying some type of AR rifle on campus.
Massachusetts state police helicopter (#N825MM) hovering over the campus searching for the suspect a shelter in place order is in effect for the campus. pic.twitter.com/lS7d9GCCAG
— Todd Paron🇺🇸🇬🇷🎧👽 (@tparon) September 3, 2025
🚨BREAKING🚨:VIDEO SHOWS ARMED SUSPECT AT UMASS LOWELL
Footage circulating appears to show a person walking with a rifle on campus. Police confirm the suspect is an Asian male, 5’5, wearing a gray/white sweatshirt and black shorts, matching earlier emergency alert. pic.twitter.com/1tsuwq6tho
— The_Independent (@TheIndeWire) September 3, 2025
A week since the Annunciation shooting and now UMass Lowell has an armed person roaming campus
IT IS THE FUCKING GUNS
— blazedbum (@blazedbum_) September 3, 2025
Breaking in my state right now..💔🙏🙏
An armed person has been reported on the campus of UMass Lowell South Campus…a "shelter in place" was issued and the investigation is developing…
Man carrying gun is seen near Riverview Suites on south side..
— Chris from Massachusetts AKA TommyboyTrader (@autumnsdad1) September 3, 2025
This message has been sent out to the UMass Lowell community. Police are actively investigating. pic.twitter.com/0IdlEpFe8w
— Aaron Curtis (@aselahcurtis) September 3, 2025
🚨 JUST IN: K-9 UNITS are reportedly en route UMass Lowell and a perimeter is being set up after a man was spotted aiming a RIFLE on campus. Students are under a full shelter-in-place. Rapidly developing.pic.twitter.com/saLl9V50sQ
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 3, 2025
The incident coincides with the first day of classes at UMass Lowell, adding to the heightened concern across the community. A large police presence was visible across campus as officers worked to secure the area.
