Utah Valley University shooting – what happened and what to know

On a busy weekday morning, a gunfire incident broke out at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem. The shooting left several people injured and sent the campus into lockdown. Police arrived within minutes, secured the scene, and started an investigation that is still ongoing.

Students and faculty were told to shelter in place, and classes were canceled for the rest of the day. The university has since offered counseling services and set up a temporary assistance desk for anyone needing help.

Key facts you need right now

Here’s a quick rundown of the most important details:

• Time of incident: Around 10:30 am local time.
• Location: The main campus near the Science building.
• Casualties: Three students were injured, two in serious condition.
• Suspect: Police have identified a suspect and are searching for him. No arrests have been made yet.
• Response: UVU worked with local law enforcement, the Utah State Police, and emergency medical teams.

The university released a statement urging everyone to stay calm, follow official updates, and use the mental health resources that have been set up.

How UVU is boosting campus safety

After the shooting, UVU announced several steps to make the campus safer:

• Increased campus police presence, especially around high‑traffic buildings.
• Installation of more security cameras and better lighting in parking lots.
• New mandatory safety workshops for all incoming students.
• Expanded emergency alert system that can send text, email and phone messages instantly.
• Collaboration with the local community to run regular active‑shooter drills.

These measures aim to prevent future incidents and give students a clear plan if something goes wrong.

If you’re a student, staff member, or parent, you can take a few simple steps right now:

• Sign up for UVU’s emergency alerts if you haven’t already.
• Know the nearest safe rooms and evacuation routes on campus.
• Keep a personal safety plan – tell a friend where you’ll be and how to reach you.
• Make use of the counseling services; talking about what happened can help you process it.
• Stay informed through the university’s official channels, not rumors.

It’s natural to feel anxious after an event like this, but staying prepared and connected can make a big difference. Keep checking UVU’s website for the latest updates on the investigation and any new safety resources that become available.

Remember, the best way to stay safe is to stay aware, follow the university’s guidelines, and look out for each other. If you see anything suspicious, report it right away – even a small detail can help keep the campus secure.