Over the first few weeks of school, Villanova was the victim of two hoax active shooter calls within a span of the first week. In a time already characterized by a wide array of emotions, students, faculty and staff have had to reflect on the incidents in the weeks since.
On Thursday, Aug. 21, a 911 call was answered that reported an active shooter at the Villanova Charles Widger School of Law. The call reported one shooter and one wounded at 4:30 p.m. Students, faculty, parents and Orientation counselors who were present at the welcome mass were told to move to a secure location, per Nova Alert.
After an hour and a half at 6:01 p.m., University President Rev. Peter M. Donahue, O.S.A., Ph.D., emailed the University and described the shooting as a “cruel hoax.” The lockdown was lifted, and students and staff met on the campus green to discuss the incident.
“There was no active shooter, no injuries and no evidence of firearms present on campus,” the statement read. “While that is a blessing and relief, I know today’s events have shaken our entire community.”
“Swatting” is a term that refers to making calls to 911 and reporting false information. The University was not the only campus that experienced swatting recently, with others including the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and the University of Arkansas.
Shortly after on Aug. 24, another fake call was made regarding an active shooter in Austin Hall, to which Villanova University Police quickly responded to and cleared.
With both active shooting hoax calls happening so soon in the school year and within such a brief timespan, members of the community were left to grapple with the aftermath.
Emma Maguire is a second-time orientation counselor and spoke with Villanovan on how the incident impacted her and the effect she witnessed on the community.
“After the incident, I felt really disenheartened that someone could cause that much fear,” Maguire said. “Especially during orientation, which is already a nerve wracking time for freshmen.”
Maguire noted the value of the University community in these times, and how much pride she has felt since the incidents to be a part of it.
“Everyone rallied to support one another and make sure someone’s Villanova experience is not defined by one moment.” Maguire said.
Kathy Byrnes is the Vice President for Student Life and was present for the active shooter hoax call during the welcome Mass, as well as the second swatting incident. Byrnes spoke with The Villanovan about the incident itself and going forward.
“I’ve had the pleasure of coming to work at Villanova every day for the past 35 years,” Byrnes explained. “So I have the privilege of feeling safe here.”
Byrnes highlighted how proud she was of the new students and orientation staff for their resilience.
“I have felt so grateful for our new students as well as our Orientation staff,” Byrnes said. “People have picked themselves up.”
In her reflection, what Byrnes really emphasized was the value of community at the University. Byrnes believes that is what is helping others through.
Notably, Byrnes had spoken to a father who is an alumnus of the University and whose son is now a first year. Both were present for the active shooter hoax call during the welcome Mass.
The father had shared with Byrnes that the advice he had given to his son was to look out for everyone. If someone is sitting alone, go talk with them and ask how they’re doing. Byrnes emphasized how indicative this is of the importance of community in the aftermath of both incidents.
“It’s really what the ‘Nova experience and community is about,” Byrnes said. “Helping each other through.”
Other students echoed sentiments of surprise, shock and fear. Most prevalent though was the fear and uncertainty behind making sense of these events.
As the University community continues into the Fall Semester, the news surrounding who is making these calls has broken on multiple outlets, including the New York Post. While the news clears up who is responsible, the incidents definitely made an impact on campus.
In spite of this incident, the University remains strong and has already completed the first two weeks of classes as well as the annual involvement fair for clubs and activities. Likewise, Father Peter hosted orientation counselors for a barbeque to thank them for their efforts on Sunday, Sept. 7.
