Stockton University Lockdown UPDATE: Shelter-in-Place Lifted After Reported Off-Campus Shooting; Police Continue Investigation

GALLOWAY, N.J. — July 23, 2026 — Stockton University officials and law enforcement agencies continue to emphasize that a recent shelter-in-place order at the university’s Galloway campus was issued out of an abundance of caution following reports of a shooting in the surrounding area—not because of an active shooter or confirmed threat on campus. Authorities have also stated that rumors of a bomb threat have not been substantiated by official investigators. (stockton.edu)

The incident prompted a large police response, temporary disruptions to campus operations, and widespread concern among students, faculty, staff, and parents. However, officials have reiterated that the precautionary measures were taken to protect the campus community while police assessed the situation. (stockton.edu)

Shelter-in-Place Ordered as Precaution

According to Stockton University officials, the shelter-in-place directive was activated after the Stockton University Police Department received notification of a reported shooting in the vicinity of the Galloway campus.

University emergency procedures were immediately implemented, and students, faculty, and staff were instructed to remain indoors while officers worked with local and state law enforcement agencies to determine whether any danger existed to the campus community.

Officials later confirmed that the reported shooting occurred off campus and that the university’s response was based on precautionary safety protocols rather than an incident occurring inside university buildings. (stockton.edu)

Law Enforcement Response

The investigation involved multiple agencies, including:

• Stockton University Police Department;
• Galloway Township Police Department;
• New Jersey State Police; and
• additional local and county law enforcement partners.

Authorities secured the surrounding area while officers searched for the suspect connected to the off-campus shooting. The coordinated response resulted in a substantial police presence near campus entrances and surrounding roadways. (stockton.edu)

Investigators subsequently located and arrested a suspect away from the university campus, allowing officials to lift the shelter-in-place order after determining there was no continuing threat to students or employees. (6abc Philadelphia)

No Evidence of Active Shooter on Campus

Following the incident, social media posts circulated claiming that Stockton University was experiencing an active shooter situation or that a bomb threat had been issued.

Officials have not confirmed those claims.

Instead, university leadership explained that the campus lockdown was initiated solely because of nearby police activity and the need to ensure the safety of the campus community while officers investigated the off-campus shooting. (stockton.edu)

Police have likewise not announced any verified bomb threat associated with the incident.

University President Addresses Campus

Following the all-clear, Stockton University President Joe Bertolino thanked students, faculty, staff, and emergency responders for their cooperation during the incident.

In a public statement, he emphasized that the shelter-in-place order reflected the university’s commitment to prioritizing safety whenever credible reports of nearby violence arise. He also acknowledged that even precautionary lockdowns can have a significant emotional impact on students and encouraged those affected to use available counseling and wellness resources. (stockton.edu)

Student Safety Remained the Priority

Students reported remaining inside classrooms, residence halls, dining facilities, and other campus buildings until university officials announced that the situation had been resolved.

Emergency notifications provided updates throughout the response, helping students understand when it was safe to resume normal campus activities.

Officials praised the campus community for following emergency instructions, noting that cooperation helped law enforcement complete the investigation efficiently. (stockton.edu)

Investigation Continues

While the immediate danger has passed, investigators continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the off-campus shooting.

Standard investigative procedures include:

• collecting physical evidence;
• interviewing witnesses;
• reviewing surveillance footage;
• examining digital evidence where available; and
• preparing any appropriate criminal charges.

Authorities have indicated that additional information may be released as the criminal investigation progresses. (6abc Philadelphia)

Public Urged to Avoid Misinformation

Law enforcement officials and university administrators have urged the public to rely on official updates rather than unverified social media posts.

False reports describing an active shooter or bomb threat can unnecessarily alarm students, parents, and the surrounding community while complicating emergency responses.

Officials continue to encourage anyone seeking information to monitor communications issued directly by Stockton University and participating law enforcement agencies. (stockton.edu)

Conclusion

The recent lockdown at Stockton University’s Galloway campus demonstrates how universities and law enforcement agencies respond rapidly to potential public safety concerns. Although the shelter-in-place order prompted understandable concern, investigators have confirmed that the reported shooting occurred off campus, the suspect was taken into custody, and the precautionary lockdown was lifted after authorities determined there was no ongoing threat to the university community. Claims of an active shooter or bomb threat have not been confirmed by officials. As the investigation continues, authorities are asking the public to rely on verified information and avoid spreading unsubstantiated rumors. (stockton.edu)