University of Florida shooting reports: UF Alert warns of gunshots near Smathers Library in Gainesville

University of Florida reported shots near Smathers Library Monday evening. Students and staff were told to shelter in place and avoid the area.

University of Florida alerted the community on reports of shots fired near the Smathers Library on Monday evening. The alert said that a shooting was reported at the Smathers Library, and those nearby were asked to secure in place. Students and staff were asked to avoid the area amid a response by law enforcement.

Representational image. (Unsplash)

However, the alert turned out to be a hoax, as University of Florida said in a follow-up update that no shots were fired. The update read: “Police confirmed that no gunshots were fired at Smathers Library. The incident is consistent with hoax calls. Normal operations may resume.”

The University of Florida’s main campus is located in Gainesville, Florida, in Alachua County in the north-central Florida.