Shots have reportedly been fired at a library as a gunman still on the loose, with people in the area being told to “run, hide, fight”.
Armed police are looking for the shooter after a number of gunshots are believed to have been heard at Shannon Library at the University of Virginia, as per reports on social media.
The UVA Police Division, which works for the University of Virginia community, tweeted on X: “3:17 PM UVA Emergency Alert: Police on scene at Shannon Library continuing to investigate. Academic buildings on Grounds are going to Access Control only. RUN-HIDE-FIGHT.”
They added: “Police are currently at Shannon Library continuing to investigating. At this time there is no evidence of an Attacker”.
(Image: X)
Reports on X suggest students have barricaded themselves in rooms for protection and are waiting for police to escort them from the building safely.
Another X user has reported that her mother and her students are “hiding” inside one of the libraries. “My mom and her students are hiding in one of the libraries,” they tweeted. “From what I’ve heard shooter was spotted around Shannon Library near the Corner. Everyone in Charlottesville please stay safe especially if you’re near downtown!”
FoxNews has released footage of police racing to the scene of the incident, which you can see below.
The UVA gave an update revealing that police are continuing to investigate at the library, with still “no evidence” that an attack has happened. They tweeted: “UVA Emergency Alert: 3:58 PM. Update – Police are continuing to investigate at Shannon Library. At this time there is no evidence that an attack has occurred. Continue to follow RUN-HIDE-FIGHT protocol until All Clear is issued.”
This is a breaking news story and is being constantly updated. Please refresh the page regularly with the latest news, pictures and videos.
You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters.
Get all the very best headlines, pictures, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following Daily Star every time you see our name.
Follow Daily Star on Android – CLICK HERE
Follow Daily Star on Apple – CLICK HERE
Follow Daily Star on Snapchat – CLICK HERE
You can also sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news by following @starbreaksnews and follow us @dailystar for all the latest updates.
Keep up-to-date with your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at facebook.com/thedailystar.