Catholic University Lockdown & Active Shooter Alert — Washington, D.C. Incident Report
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Officials at the Catholic University of America (CUA) implemented emergency safety procedures including lockdown and shelter‑in‑place alerts on campus in response to reports of shots fired near Catholic University in Northeast Washington, D.C. Local authorities and university leaders worked together to secure the campus, notify the community, and investigate the situation. (WTOP News)
The Catholic University of America, a well‑established private Catholic institution located in Brookland, Washington, D.C., has a comprehensive Department of Public Safety and well‑defined emergency protocols designed to address potential threats, including active shooter scenarios and gunfire reports. (The Catholic University of America)
Initial Reports and Shelter‑In‑Place Alert
On the day of the incident, law enforcement agencies received reports of shots fired near Catholic University, specifically in the area close to 7th and Monroe Streets NE. In response, CUA officials issued a shelter‑in‑place alert, advising students, faculty, and staff to remain indoors and secure their locations while police conducted a thorough investigation. (WTOP News)
During a shelter‑in‑place order, individuals are directed to stay inside buildings, lock doors where possible, and await further instructions from public safety officials — standard procedures outlined by university emergency guidelines and practiced in active threat scenarios. (The Catholic University of America)
Law Enforcement Response
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) led the investigation into reports of gunfire and dispatched officers to search the campus and surrounding blocks near the McCort‑Ward Building, Pangborn Hall, and Pope Leo Lane. Law enforcement emphasized that the search was conducted out of an abundance of caution to ensure there was no ongoing threat to the CUA community. (WTOP News)
During the sweep, police did not locate a shooter on campus, nor were there any confirmed signs of injury or property damage directly tied to an active shooter incident on university grounds. The extensive search and campus lockdown were precautionary and intended to protect the safety of students and staff. (WTOP News)
Shelter‑In‑Place Lifted and All Clear
Following the complete search of the campus environment and surrounding areas, authorities lifted the shelter‑in‑place alert in the early evening after determining there was no immediate danger or active threat to Catholic University. Officials confirmed that no active shooter was found on or near the Catholic University campus during the course of the investigation. (WTOP News)
Classes that were canceled earlier in the day due to the alert remained suspended as the campus community processed the event and assessed the situation. (WTOP News)
Official Emergency Protocols and Preparedness
The Catholic University of America’s emergency procedures — including shelter‑in‑place and evacuation guidelines — are designed in coordination with campus public safety and local law enforcement. These procedures are activated whenever there is credible information suggesting a potential risk to life and safety. (The Catholic University of America)
According to the university’s public safety protocols, a shelter‑in‑place order instructs building occupants to remain inside and secure until authorities issue an “all clear.” This procedure is widely used for active threat scenarios and other emergencies where evacuation could increase risk. (The Catholic University of America)
Context: Shootings and Safety Near Campus
Catholic University is located in a densely populated urban area and has previously activated shelter‑in‑place orders in response to separate shooting incidents near campus. In past incidents, including a fatal shooting at the Brookland‑CUA Metro station, CUA officials directed the community to shelter in place while police investigated and ensured campus security. (Catholic News Agency)
These historical responses underscore the campus’s commitment to following established procedures for student and faculty safety, regardless of whether the incident occurs directly on campus or in adjacent public spaces that could pose a risk. (Catholic News Agency)
Campus Safety and Support Services
Following the incident and issuance of alerts, Catholic University’s public safety office and student support services remained available to assist the community. Counseling and emotional support resources are typically offered to students and staff following emergency responses that cause stress or concern. (FOX 5 DC)
CUA’s public safety guidelines recommend immediate reporting of suspicious activity to campus police and emphasize preparedness through communication tools such as CUAlert and the Rave Guardian app, both designed to enhance real‑time safety communication. (The Catholic University of America)
Community Impact and Official Statements
University leadership acknowledged the seriousness of the situation in communications to the campus community, reinforcing the importance of staying calm, following public safety directions, and relying on verified information. Although no active shooter was confirmed, the initial reports of shots fired prompted rapid and comprehensive action to safeguard all individuals on campus. (WTOP News)
Local law enforcement reiterated that all‑clear notifications came only after thorough searches and confirmation that the environment was secure and free of ongoing threats. University officials emphasized continued vigilance and cooperation with police to maintain safety and emergency preparedness. (WTOP News)
