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University of Florida announces reports of gun shots at Smathers Library on Gainesville campus

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh16 hours agogriffin_mcveigh
NCAA Football: LIU at Florida
Aug 30, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; A pylon with the SEC and Florida Gators logos sits in the end zone during the second half between the Florida Gators and the Long Island Sharks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Reports of gunshots on the University of Florida campus were reported on Monday night near Smathers Library. The school’s public safety emergency notification X account sent out an alert at 9:27 p.m. ET.

“UF Alert-Gainesville: Gunshots reported at (Smathers Library),” the UF Alert X account said. “Avoid the area or secure in place if nearby; details to follow.”

Fifteen minutes later, another tweet was sent out by UF Alert. They announced that police are on the scene, still looking for criminal activity. If there is any positive news on the situation — as of right now, there are no known injuries. Still, police encouraged people to avoid the area or shelter in place.

“UF Alert-Gainesville: (Smathers Library) Police are on scene of the incident,” they said via X. “There is no criminal activity or injuries identified at this time. Continue to avoid area or shelter in place.”

Smathers Library is right in the middle of campus. With the police on the scene, more updates are hopefully to come in the near future.

UPDATE: No active gunshots fired, school claims ‘hoax calls’

At 9:55 p.m. ET, relieving news on the supposed active gunshots came from Florida. Thankfully, there were not gunshots fired at Smather Library on Monday night. Florida says “hoax calls” were behind the alleged threat. Normal operations on campus resumed.

“UF Alert-Gainesville: Police confirmed that no gunshots were fired at Smathers Library,” UF Alert said via X. “The incident is consistent with hoax calls. Normal operations may resume.”

Florida is in a normal portion of its academic calendar. Classes took place on Monday and are expected to continue through the week. The fall semester is well underway, not getting a break until Oct. 17 when homecoming takes place in Gainesville. Billy Napier‘s squad plays host to the Mississippi State Bulldogs for a football game on Oct. 18.