UMass Lowell students shelter in place as police investigate gun video

City and state police and FBI Boston are investigating after a video which appears to show a person holding a gun near the University of Massachusetts campus in Lowell was shared on social media app Yik Yak Wednesday afternoon.

The video appears to show a man, holding a gun, walking down a sidewalk.

The university asked students and staff to shelter in place.

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FBI Boston said it is on scene and coordinating with law enforcement partners.

“We encourage the public to remain vigilant and avoid the area,” FBI Boston shared in an X post.

Massachusetts State Police said it is aware of the video and responded to the area.

“We are aware of a video circulating of a person who appears to be armed walking in Lowell near the Riverview Suites on Middlesex Street,” state police wrote in a social media post. “State and Local Police have responded to the area to further investigate. Anyone with relevant information should call 911.”

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Lowell Police Department said there is increased police activity in the area of Middlesex Street, Pawtucket Street, and Broadway Street. 

Rep. Lori Trahan, D-Mass., said she is actively monitoring the situation and remains in touch with local officials.

“If you are in Lowell, please follow directions from @LowellPD and @UMassLowell,” Trahan wrote in an X post.

University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public research university roughly 40 miles north of Boston.

The Lowell Police Department did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital. 

FBI Boston declined further comment on the investigation.