Boulder, CO – February 24, 2025 – A shelter-in-place order was issued at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) on Monday afternoon, sending waves of panic and uncertainty across the campus community. The directive came following reports of an alleged active shooter near Folsom Field, prompting an immediate and large-scale police response to the area. Students, faculty, and staff were instructed to remain indoors while law enforcement worked to secure the scene and assess the nature of the threat.

The CU Boulder Police Department (CUPD), in coordination with the university’s emergency alert system, issued the first warning at approximately 2:35 p.m., urging individuals in the affected area—particularly those near the Parking Garage/Champion Center—to take cover and avoid movement until further notice. While initial reports did not specify injuries or suspect details, the swift and coordinated police action underscored the severity of the situation.

Immediate Response and Shelter-in-Place Order

As soon as the emergency alert was sent out, a sense of urgency swept through the university. Students in lecture halls, dormitories, and common areas quickly received notifications via text messages, emails, and CU Boulder’s emergency notification system. In response, many rushed to lock classroom doors, turn off lights, and barricade themselves in accordance with active shooter safety protocols.

The university’s shelter-in-place directive, a crucial emergency measure designed to keep individuals safe during potential threats, instructed those on campus to stay where they were, avoid windows, silence their phones, and refrain from moving until given an all-clear signal from law enforcement. For many students, these tense moments were filled with fear and uncertainty, as rumors and unverified information spread through social media platforms and group chats.

Law Enforcement Mobilization and Tactical Response

Within minutes of the first report, law enforcement agencies, including the CU Boulder Police Department, Boulder Police Department, and SWAT teams, converged on the scene. Officers set up perimeters around the affected area, scanning for potential threats while ensuring that all individuals in the vicinity complied with lockdown procedures.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing officers with rifles drawn as they moved cautiously through buildings, checking hallways, stairwells, and campus facilities for any sign of an assailant. The sound of police sirens and helicopter activity above the campus added to the growing tension.

At 3:05 p.m., additional reinforcements arrived, including members of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and federal law enforcement agencies. Officers deployed drones to survey rooftops and open areas, while K-9 units assisted in clearing buildings where a potential threat might be lurking.

The Panic and Fear Among Students and Faculty

For many CU Boulder students, the shelter-in-place order was a terrifying and surreal experience. Some recounted their fear as they huddled in darkened classrooms, texting loved ones to reassure them of their safety.

“Everyone was just frozen in place. We didn’t know what was happening, and every noise outside made us jump,” said sophomore Emily Carter, who was in a lecture hall in the Engineering Center when the alert was issued. “Our professor immediately locked the door, and we turned off the lights. We just sat there, waiting for updates.”

Students in dormitories also experienced heightened anxiety, with many barricading their doors with furniture and staying away from windows.

“My roommate and I grabbed whatever we could and pushed it against the door,” said freshman Alejandro Rivera, who was inside the Sewall Residential Hall at the time. “We’ve seen too many of these incidents happen across the country, and the fear is real.”

Social Media and the Spread of Information

As news of the incident spread, social media platforms became both a source of information and a breeding ground for confusion. Many students took to Twitter and Instagram to share updates, post photos of barricaded rooms, and speculate on the situation. Hashtags such as #CUBoulderShooting and #BoulderLockdown began trending within minutes, as concerned parents, alumni, and residents of Boulder anxiously sought reliable details.

Misinformation also circulated, with some posts falsely claiming multiple shooters or casualties before authorities had confirmed any details. Law enforcement officials urged the public to rely solely on official CU Boulder and CUPD updates for accurate information.

Ongoing Investigation and Search for a Suspect

As the lockdown continued, law enforcement officials methodically searched each building in and around the affected area, looking for any signs of a suspect. At approximately 4:10 p.m., police confirmed that no gunman had been located but emphasized that the investigation was ongoing. They urged students and faculty to remain in place while officers conducted a thorough sweep of campus facilities.

Officials also began reviewing security camera footage from the parking garage and surrounding buildings to determine the origins of the threat report. Calls to 911 were being analyzed, and authorities were interviewing witnesses to establish a timeline of events.

Reactions from University Officials and the Community

CU Boulder Chancellor Philip DiStefano released a statement acknowledging the fears and concerns of students, parents, and faculty members.

“The safety of our students and campus community is our highest priority. We understand the anxiety this situation has caused, and we are working closely with law enforcement to ensure that every precaution is taken to protect those on campus,” DiStefano stated.

Local leaders, including Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett, expressed solidarity with the university community and praised law enforcement for their rapid response. “We stand with CU Boulder during this unsettling time, and we are grateful for the swift and professional actions of our first responders. Public safety remains our top priority,” Brockett said in a press briefing.

Lifting the Shelter-in-Place Order and Ensuring Campus Safety

After several hours of uncertainty, the shelter-in-place order was gradually lifted around 6:00 p.m. Students and faculty were informed that it was safe to leave their locations, though law enforcement maintained a strong presence on campus to reassure the community.

CUPD announced that while no immediate threat had been confirmed, the investigation into the origin of the incident was still ongoing. Officials urged anyone with relevant information or suspicious activity reports to come forward.

In the aftermath, CU Boulder administrators announced plans to provide counseling services to students and faculty shaken by the incident. Mental health professionals were stationed at key locations across campus to offer support, and additional security measures were put in place for the following days.

Lessons Learned and Ongoing Security Measures

The CU Boulder shooting scare reignited discussions about campus security and the growing concerns about active shooter threats in educational institutions across the United States. University officials pledged to review the emergency response procedures and improve communication channels to ensure that students and faculty are well-prepared in future crises.

In addition, law enforcement agencies emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious activity and participating in safety drills.

“We encourage students to remain vigilant and take all emergency alerts seriously,” said CU Boulder Police Chief Doreen Jokerst. “While we are relieved that no confirmed active threat was found today, we recognize the emotional toll such situations take on our community.”

Moving Forward

As CU Boulder returns to normalcy, the university community remains resilient. Students expressed gratitude for law enforcement’s swift action, and many reflected on the importance of emergency preparedness in today’s world.

“This was a wake-up call,” said senior Jacob Matthews. “Even if today wasn’t a worst-case scenario, it reminded us all how quickly things can change.”

For now, the investigation remains open, and campus authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is urged to contact the CU Boulder Police Department.

The university encourages students, faculty, and community members to stay informed and prepared while remaining hopeful that such incidents can be prevented in the future through vigilance, awareness, and proactive safety measures.