Armed Man Reported on UMass Lowell Campus: Community Advised to Shelter in Place

LOWELL, Mass. — A tense situation unfolded at UMass Lowell on Wednesday as police launched a manhunt for an armed individual reported on campus. Community members were urged to “stay inside until further notice” as law enforcement agencies converged on the scene.

Sky5 captured aerial footage showing a significant police presence at UMass Lowell’s South Campus, where officers from multiple agencies were actively searching for the suspect. According to emergency alerts sent to the campus community, authorities are looking for a 5-foot-5 Asian male dressed in a gray or white sweatshirt and black shorts, who was last seen carrying a long weapon near Riverview Suites, a dormitory located on Middlesex Street.

University officials confirmed that police were alerted to reports of a male on South Campus carrying an object suspected to be a firearm. In response, a campus-wide shelter-in-place order was issued as officers worked diligently to locate the individual.

Lowell Mayor Daniel Rourke stated that Massachusetts State Police and FBI officials are assisting local law enforcement. “The City is utilizing all available resources at this time,” Rourke said, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Massachusetts State Police acknowledged awareness of a video circulating on social media that appears to show the armed individual walking near the dorms. In light of the unfolding events, U.S. Representative Lori Trahan reached out to local officials, urging residents to heed the directions of Lowell Police and UMass Lowell.

As the search continues, authorities are asking anyone with information to call 9-1-1. UMass Lowell, home to approximately 16,900 undergraduate and graduate students, has about 3,700 students residing on campus across ten residence halls.

The community remains on high alert as police work to ensure the safety of all students and staff. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.