Villanova University warns students about reports of possible active shooter | Live Coverage

VILLANOVA, Pa. (WPVI) — Students at Villanova University are being told to find a secure location due to reports of a possible active shooter.

According to a security alert sent late Thursday afternoon, students were told to lock and barricade doors. The university also asked students to stay clear of the Law School of Scarpa Hall.

“Police on scene. Move to secure location. Lock/barricade doors. More info to follow,” it said in an active shooter incident warning on its website.

The Radnor Township Police Department said it was on the scene. The view from Chopper 6 shows law enforcement with tactical gear entering buildings on the campus.

Videos posted on social media showed a crowd being rushed inside a building on campus. New student orientation and registration started Thursday and is scheduled to go until Saturday. Classes begin Monday.

Brandon Ambrosino, a professor of theology and ethics at Villanova who was not on campus at the time, said most faculty members were not on campus, but students moved in on Wednesday. He said he and colleagues were struggling to find information about the active shooter during the chaotic afternoon.

“None of my colleagues know what’s happening. We’re messaging back and forth,” Ambrosino said.

State Rep. Lisa Borowski, whose district includes Villanova, said that at about 5 p.m. she received a text from Radnor Township Police and Villanova campus police for local residents to shelter in place.

“I am very worried and very concerned,” Borowski said.

No injuries have been immediately reported.

The campus is located approximately 12 miles northwest of Philadelphia’s Center City.

The Augustinian school got extra attention this year as the alma mater of new Pope Leo XIV.

The Associated Press and ABC News contributed to this report.

Stay with Action News as we continue to follow this developing story.