UGA Confirms Armed Shooter Report was a Hoax

News Summary

The University of Georgia confirmed a report of an armed shooter near the Main Library was a hoax, ending a lockdown that lasted nearly two hours. Authorities investigated after a call reported a shooter at the library, prompting an emergency alert instructing students and staff to shelter in place. After thorough checks by UGA Police and Athens-Clarke County Police, it was determined there was no threat, and an all-clear was issued. The incident highlights concerns over false reports that cause panic and waste emergency resources.

Athens, Georgia – The University of Georgia (UGA) confirmed that a report of an armed shooter near the Main Library on Friday, August 29, 2025, was a hoax, which ended a nearly two-hour lockdown on the campus. The alarm was raised at around 8:45 p.m. when authorities received a call about a supposed shooter at the library.

In response to the brush with potential violence, UGA issued an emergency alert shortly after the call at approximately 8:51 p.m., instructing students and staff to avoid the library area and shelter in place. The UGA Police Department (UGAPD) quickly mobilized to investigate and sweep the area.

By 9:34 p.m., it was determined there were no signs of any shooter, and authorities released a follow-up alert indicating that the initial report was likely a hoax. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department assisted with the investigation as the situation unfolded.

Approximately 40 minutes later, at 10:39 p.m., UGA announced an all-clear, reassuring the community that no emergency existed on campus. The hoax led to a lockdown affecting North Campus while authorities conducted their thorough investigation.

UGA officials indicated that the false alarm bore similarities to a series of “swatting” incidents reported across the nation, where individuals falsely report threats to law enforcement, resulting in major disruptions and mobilization of emergency services. A statement from UGA condemned such hoaxes, emphasizing the unnecessary fear they instill and the vital resources they waste.

Support services, including counseling and mental health resources, were made available for students and employees impacted by the lockdown, indicating the university’s commitment to their community’s well-being during such unsettling events.

As investigations into the hoax continue, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is looking into a series of similar false active shooter reports that have plagued educational institutions across the country around the same time. Just prior to the UGA incident, multiple universities experienced lockdowns triggered by similar reports.

The emergency alert system had successfully been tested just a day before the event, which underscores the preparedness of the university’s response mechanisms. Coincidentally, UGA’s first football game of the season was scheduled for the following day, August 30, highlighting the heightened alert among the community.

Following the incident, UGA Police Chief Jeff Clark confirmed the absence of any actual threat after reviewing campus security footage. Police stationed tape and caution signs around the library’s entrance and nearby parking areas during their investigation.

Athens-Clarke Police Chief Jerry Saulters also confirmed that no genuine threat was found and declared the situation resolved. Authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as they continue to investigate the source of the hoax.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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• Google Search: University of Georgia shooter hoax
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Google Scholar: Swatting Incidents
• WJCL
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Emergency Alert Systems
• AJC
• Google News: Armed Shooter Hoax UGA