Police have confirmed that the person seen creeping around the University of Massachusetts Lowell campus with what appeared to be a rifle was a juvenile.
What’s more, the “weapon” he was brandishing wasn’t even real, being an airsoft replica firearm.
The campus was sent into lockdown on the first day of classes as video footage captured the person moving around with the firearm, as if he was stalking victims. The incident terrorized students and prompted a massive police response, including the FBI.
Juvenile Identified After Brandishing Air Gun in Lowell, Prompting Large Police Response
LPD6 pic.twitter.com/L6XMKMAXuW
— Lowell PD (@LowellPD) September 4, 2025
Classes were cancelled for the day, as were all scheduled events, as law enforcement searched for the suspect — in addition to a drone and a police air unit being dispatched, K9 units were also involved in the search, according to various reports.
BREAKING: Lockdown ordered at University of Massachusetts Lowell after individual spotted aiming a gun while roaming on campus pic.twitter.com/JJnlgeU44X
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 3, 2025
NEW: Video shared with Boston 25 News shows a person wielding an apparent long gun near the campus of UMass Lowell moments before Wednesday’s lockdown and massive police response. https://t.co/piWgfV42uy pic.twitter.com/b404mM7cuZ
— Boston 25 News (@boston25) September 4, 2025
The juvenile male’s name was not released because he is a minor and it’s not clear if he was taken into custody or if he is facing any charges.
“While the reported firearm in this case was ultimately determined to be an airsoft gun, our community can be certain that, as in this case, the Lowell Police Department will always utilize all available resources until the safety of all involved is assured,” Lowell Police Superintendent Greg Hudon said in a statement.
“The safety of this city, and its residents and visitors, is our top priority and the extensive response of personnel and assets by this department and our law enforcement partners was a testament to that commitment,” the superintendent added. “I want to thank all our officers and partners for their brave response as well as our investigators for their diligent investigative work that brought closure to this incident. I would especially like to thank the residents of the affected neighborhood for their cooperation and understanding while this incident unfolded.”
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Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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