Reported active shooter at Villanova University a "cruel hoax," president says

A report of an active shooter at Villanova University turned out to be a "cruel hoax," university President Rev. Peter Donohue said in a letter to the school community. There was no active shooter and no one was injured, Donohue said.

The university sent out a report of an active shooter on campus at Law School Scarpa Hall around 4:30 p.m. Thursday, advising people to move to a secure location and to lock and barricade doors.

Police from across Delaware County, Pennsylvania State Police and federal law enforcement responded to a possible active shooter situation at the university. At 5:47 p.m., Radnor police said there were no reported victims.

Donohue said in a letter that during the university's orientation Mass there were reports of a possible shooter at the law school.

"Amid my thanks, I would like to apologize to our first-year students

and their families. This is not the introduction to Villanova that I had hoped for you. And while I cannot do anything to relieve the unrest that you are feeling right now, I can offer a prayer," Donohue said in the letter. "As generations of Villanovan know, this prayer is how I close Orientation Mass each year. Since we were interrupted today, I would like to offer it now. Whomever you are with, I ask that you reach out to them and repeat after me."

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said law enforcement locked down the campus during the investigation.

Thursday was "opening day" at Villanova, which included a family resource fair and info sessions, orientation, opening Mass and a family picnic, according to a schedule posted on the university's website.    

Multiple sources told CBS News Philadelphia people ran for cover, getting into university buildings and huddling under desks during the panic amid the reported active shooter.

Video posted on social media showed people running from an event on campus. The video comes from outside one of the residence halls. In the video, you can see several white chairs overturned as dozens of people quickly get to safety.