Police at UMass Lowell ordered a shelter-in-place after reports of an armed individual near a dorm on South Campus. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are assisting in the search as students remain indoors.

LOWELL, MA (3-minute read) — Police activity at UMass Lowell brought classes and campus life to a halt on Wednesday after reports surfaced of a man possibly carrying a firearm near Riverview Suites, a dorm on Middlesex Street. Authorities instructed students, faculty, and staff to remain indoors while officers conducted a thorough search of the South Campus area.

According to officials, the suspect was described as a 5-foot-5 Asian male wearing a gray or white sweatshirt with black shorts and carrying what appeared to be a long firearm. The search quickly spread beyond the dorms, reaching into Pawtucket and Broadway streets as officers from UMass Lowell Police, Lowell Police, Massachusetts State Police, and the FBI joined forces.

Law Enforcement Coordination

Lowell Mayor Daniel Rourke confirmed that all available city resources were being deployed, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat. Massachusetts State Police also acknowledged reviewing video footage circulating online, allegedly showing the suspect walking near student housing.

Congresswoman Lori Trahan urged community members to follow law enforcement directions and stay updated through official channels. Authorities continue to ask anyone with credible information to call 911 immediately.

Campus Community Impact

UMass Lowell is home to roughly 16,900 undergraduate and graduate students, with more than 3,700 living on campus. The Riverview Suites, where the suspect was reportedly seen, is a key residential building housing many students. A sudden lockdown of this scale can create significant disruption, but it also reflects the priority law enforcement places on campus safety.

For students and staff, this incident is a reminder of the importance of situational awareness. Even if threats turn out to be false alarms, preparing for emergencies and knowing how to respond can save lives.

Safety Tip: If you carry a firearm legally for self-defense, always ensure it is properly concealed and secured.