Afternoon classes at Fitchburg State University unfolded under a tense cloud Thursday after a man was shot inside a nearby apartment building on Willow Street, just steps from Simonds Hall. Police say a 36-year-old man suffered a single gunshot wound, and officers locked down the scene while investigators combed the building and surrounding area into the evening. No arrests have been announced, and the case remains under active investigation as neighbors and campus safety staff kept watch from the sidewalk.
Campus alerts and safety updates
As word of the shooting spread, Fitchburg State sent out two RAVE alerts tied to the busy stretch near Simonds Hall. The first urged people in the area to shelter in place and stay away from Willow Street. A later update told the campus community there was “no threat to campus at this time” and said Simonds Hall residents no longer needed to remain indoors, according to Fitchburg State. Both alerts were posted on the university’s online advisory page while officers continued working just off campus.
Police response and investigation
Fitchburg police said they were called shortly before 3 p.m. for a report of a disturbance involving a firearm at the Willow Street apartment building. Responding officers found the 36-year-old man with a single gunshot wound, and he was treated at the scene, according to Boston 25 News. The shooting is being investigated by the Fitchburg Police Department with help from the Massachusetts State Police. Detectives remained at the property interviewing witnesses and processing evidence, and authorities said no one is in custody so far.
What residents should know
Officials asked students and nearby residents to steer clear of Willow Street while officers were on scene and to keep an eye on the university’s RAVE system for any new developments. Fitchburg State posted both the initial shelter-in-place advisory and the follow-up message stating the campus was not under threat. Police are urging anyone who saw or heard anything around the time of the incident to contact Fitchburg detectives as the investigation continues.
