A significant police presence descended upon the University of Massachusetts Boston after reports of gunshots on campus. Students and staff were seen fleeing in fear following the alarming sounds, which were reported near a residence hall in the East Building at approximately 3.45pm local time, close to Morrissey Boulevard.

The Boston Police Department confirmed the incident, prompting UMass to issue alerts warning of a 'public safety threat.' SWAT teams were deployed to the area, urging individuals to steer clear of the vicinity as law enforcement began their investigation.

As the situation unfolded, UMass Boston announced that classes and activities for the evening were cancelled due to the ongoing investigation. The university's emergency alert system communicated that police were responding to an unconfirmed report of a shooting, and that they were coordinating with campus partners to ensure the safety of all students, faculty, and staff.

Despite the initial panic, Boston police later reported that there was no confirmation of gunfire or individuals armed on campus. Local media suggested that the incident might have been a swatting call, a false report intended to elicit a large police response.

By 10.29pm, UMass Boston confirmed that the situation was under control, stating, "all clear" with no ongoing threat to the community. This incident comes amid a series of similar alerts across university campuses in the United States, following the recent fatal shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. In the wake of Kirk's death, several universities faced lockdowns due to terroristic threats, leading to heightened security concerns nationwide.

As the investigation continues, UMass Boston remains vigilant, ensuring the safety of its community.