Heavy law enforcement presence responds to UNCW after reports of possible gunman on campus

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The University of North Carolina at Wilmington implemented its shelter-in-place protocol Thursday evening after receiving reports of a gunman on campus.

By 9:47 p.m., the University issued a statement saying “All Clear! False alarm. No active attacker on campus.”

Earlier in the evening, at 7:18 p.m., the University issued its first security alert which stated that University Police Department was investigating the matter to determine if there was a real threat or not. Students and staff on campus were instructed to shelter in place.

The alert said, “University Police have received unconfirmed, anonymous reports via social media regarding a subject with a gun on campus,” and that “UPD is taking these claims serious and is investigating.”

Some students, faculty and staff reportedly sheltered inside locked classrooms, dorms and other buildings on campus. Some students were seen sheltering in their cars.

Our WWAY crew who was on campus saw a helicopter and drones deployed for surveillance. Law enforcement officers were seen wearing full flak jacket body gear and combing the campus.

At 8:10 p.m., the University issued a second alert which said, “UNCW Alert! Continue to shelter in place. Law enforcement sweeping campus. Will update when more information available.”

Earlier in the day, UNCW Chancellor Aswani Volety issued a statement (below) urging civil discourse and healing following the events on campus since the assassination of Charlie Kirk who was a conservative activist and the co-founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk was killed on September 10, 2025 on the campus of Utah Valley University.

More than a thousand people attended a vigil Monday night for Kirk. A large “spirit rock” located on the grounds outside Fisher University Union was painted in patriotic colors and an image of Kirk.

On Tuesday, a few students painted over the rock covering up Kirk’s image with paint. This led to a week of tension on campus prompting the Chancellor to issue a statement on Thursday.

The last alert from the University said there would be more information about class cancellations and operations to come soon.