Another false active shooter reported at Villanova University: police

VILLANOVA - For the second time in a week, an active shooter was reported at Villanova University, according to police. 

What we know:

Officers responded to reports of an active shooter at Villanova University's Austin Hall just before noon on Sunday. Radnor Police have since confirmed the report to be false. 

"Officers are working to clear the campus and restore normal operations," the department said on social media earlier in the day. 

"Like me, you are probably wondering what is happening and how, just a few days later, we are receiving more alerts about another possible incident," Rev. Peter Donohue, Villanova's president, wrote in a letter sent to students on Sunday. "I wish I had more answers for you, but federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are actively investigating both incidents. I do not know why this is happening, but I assure you the authorities are working tirelessly to find out who is behind these calls."

"I know it may not seem like it after the past couple of days, but I assure you that campus is safe, and there is no evidence of a legitimate threat to our community," he added. "Tonight, and for the immediate future, we will continue to have an increased police and public safety presence out of an abundance of caution."

The backstory:

This incident comes just days after an active shooter was reported at Villanova in what is now being called a "cruel hoax."

In a statement, the university said that it received an anonymous report of an active shooter in the Charles Widger School of Law.

"We know this false report caused fear and disruption as we begin our academic year," the statement read.

Rev. Donohue said in a statement Thursday that students, parents and staff were celebrating Orientation Mass at the time.

"Panic ensued with the news of a possible shooter at the law school…[m}ercifully, no one was injured," he said.

What's next:

Both incidents are being investigated, but no further details about the false reports have been released at this time. 

In his letter, Rev. Donohue confirmed that the school would be moving forward with the University Commissioning in the Finneran Pavilion Sunday night, which is a community mass and blessing that marks the start of each academic year. Shortly after, however, the Vice President for Student Life sent a letter stating that the school had made the decision to cancel the gathering.

"With all that has transpired on campus in recent days, we feel our first-year students are best served by an evening with time to pause before classes start tomorrow," the letter stated.