Dear Members of the UMass Boston Community,
As you know, our campus experienced a significant public safety incident yesterday afternoon. While the investigation remains ongoing, I want to share what we know so far and acknowledge the strength and resilience of our community during a challenging moment.
At approximately 3:40 p.m., our neighbors at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute (EMKI) reported an unfolding police matter, which immediately activated our Emergency Operations Plan and prompted a campus-wide alert to avoid the EMKI area. This report involved a suspicious package, which required a substantial response from Boston Police and Fire.
Just minutes later, at 3:47 p.m., a call was made to 911 reporting what the caller believed to be shots fired in the residence halls. In accordance with established protocols, both UMass Boston Police & Public Safety and Boston Police issued an alert and secured the residence halls. Roughly 15 minutes later, reports of gunfire in the Campus Center were received, and an additional alert was issued at 4:16 p.m. Multiple law enforcement agencies swiftly conducted thorough searches, facilitated evacuations, and established security presence until the entire campus was appropriately deemed safe.
After careful assessment, authorities concluded that there was no evidence of gunfire in any campus building or surrounding area, and an all-clear alert was sent at 5:11 pm.
Also, it is important to note that public safety/police alerts during emergencies are often limited and lack individualized instructions. Several factors limit the specificity of police alerts during an emergency, including the need for speed, the fluidity of information, and the risk of public panic. In many cases, officials must balance the need to inform the public with the need to protect lives, ongoing investigations, and prevent misinformation. We understand the very human desire for more specific information in real time. Please know that our first responders are following safety protocols, may only have partial details in the early moments, and are making calculated decisions not to release information that could cause confusion or endanger the community or responding officers.
While these events understandably caused fear and uncertainty, they also revealed the strength of our campus. Our emergency protocols worked as designed, and the coordination between UMass Boston Police & Public Safety, Boston Police, and other agencies was seamless. I am grateful for their professionalism, urgency, and care.
I also want to recognize the extraordinary resilience, cooperation, and courage shown by our students, faculty, and staff. Moments like these remind us that safety is not only the work of first responders—it is a shared responsibility. Yesterday, our community rose to that responsibility together.
Support and Resources
We recognize that experiences like this can have a lasting impact. If you would like support, resources are available:
- Overview of available information and resources can be found: umb.edu/support
- Students: Counseling Services are available 24/7. To speak with a clinician, please contact the Counseling Center at 617-287-5690.
- Faculty and Staff: Confidential support is available through ComPsych Guidance Resources at 844-393-4983 (TDD: 800-697-0353) or online at guidanceresources.com (Web ID: UMASS).
With gratitude and resolve,
Marcelo Suárez-Orozco
Chancellor
