Villanova University issued an active shooter alert on Thursday afternoon, prompting urgent safety measures on campus. The alert, sent through the NOVA Alert system, advised individuals to “move to secure location. Lock/barricade doors.”

Radnor Township police reported around 6 p.m. that there were no victims associated with the incident. The situation remains active, and police are continuing their search of the area.

Students were instructed to avoid Scarpa Hall at the Villanova Law School, where the alert originated. The university is located approximately 12 miles northwest of downtown Philadelphia.

In a statement, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed that both local and federal law enforcement were on the scene. He urged the public to avoid the area and to follow the directions of local authorities.

Emergency responders, including armed officers, were seen at the entrance of a parking garage on campus. Aerial footage showed multiple emergency vehicles present.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) announced that trains would bypass Villanova and Stadium stations in both directions due to police activity.

State Representative Lisa Borowski, whose district includes Villanova, received alerts from both Radnor Township Police and Villanova campus police advising local residents to shelter in place. “I am very worried and very concerned,” she stated.

Videos shared on social media depicted students being rushed into buildings for safety. The alert came during new student orientation, which began Thursday and is scheduled to continue through Saturday. Classes are set to start on Monday.

Brandon Ambrosino, a theology and ethics professor at Villanova, expressed concern for the safety of students. He noted that many faculty members were not on campus at the time and that communication among staff was challenging. “None of my colleagues know what’s happening. We’re messaging back and forth,” he said.

Ambrosino described the situation as terrifying, stating, “Obviously, it’s our nightmare scenario. I feel terrible for these kids.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Philadelphia Field Division is providing assistance at the scene. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.