Today, August 21, 2025, at approximately 12:29 PM, the Hamilton County 911 Emergency Communications District (HC911) received an emergency telephone call indicating that there was an active shooter at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) campus. HC911 immediately notified the UTC Police Department (UTCPD) Emergency Communications Center.
The UTC Police Department, Chattanooga Police Department (CPD), Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD), and Hamilton County Emergency Medical Service (HCEMS) immediately responded. Additional local, state, and federal agencies responded immediately thereafter to assist, including the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), Department of Safety & Homeland Security Special Agents, Tennessee Park Rangers, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
The UTC Library, University Center, and Fletcher Hall were quickly and methodically cleared by law enforcement to ensure there was no danger to the community. Members of the UTC community were advised to “Run. Hide. Fight.” consistent with the University’s response to armed intruder incidents.
Individuals who evacuated did so without incident. Once law enforcement ensured that there was no longer a threat to the UTC community, all students and employees were advised that all University classes and activities were cancelled, and that they may leave campus for the remainder of the day.
There was no evidence of any shooting or other threat to the community, and no injuries were reported. The University extends its gratitude to our first responder partner agencies for their prompt response and unwavering support of our community.
All classes and activities will resume on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 8:00 AM. Employees should report at their scheduled start time.
This incident is actively under investigation by the UTCPD, CPD, HCSO, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If you have any information about this incident, please call the UTC Police Department at (423) 425-HELP/4357.
Lost and Found
Students, employees, and other guests who left their personal belongings in any buildings may retrieve those items from the respective buildings. Unclaimed items should be brought to the UTC Police Department (located in the Administrative Services Building) and may be retrieved from that same location.
Campus resources
- The Counseling Center will offer individual counseling sessions for students impacted during their regular hours of operation. To make an appointment, students should call (423) 425-4438 or visit University Center, Room 128, between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
- Faculty, staff, and students can share names of individuals they are concerned about (students or employees) by submitting a Community Member of Concern Form (www.utc.edu/coc), emailing sos@utc.edu (for students) and utchumanresources@utc.edu (for employees).
- Students and employees experiencing crisis after hours should be referred to the UTC CARE line at (423) 425-CARE (2273), to be connected to after-hours services including crisis counseling.
- Employees impacted may utilize support available through the Here4TN Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (EWS). Employees and their eligible dependents, regardless of whether they participate in the Group Insurance Program, who may be experiencing personal or workplace problems, may access the Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (EWS). EWS services are provided at no cost and all services are strictly confidential and can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-855-HERE4TN (1-855-437-3486). The EWS can help with issues such as family and relationships; child and elder care; anxiety and depression; workplace conflicts; dealing with addiction; grief and loss; legal and financial issues; work/life balance. Individuals receive up to five (5) free counseling sessions per episode at no cost to the participant; however, sessions must be pre-authorized by calling 1-855-HERE4TN (1-855-437-3486).
- The University is working with partners to secure additional support services for our community.
