At UNC Wilmington (UNCW) in mid-September 2025, several significant incidents took place:
- A peaceful memorial vigil was held on campus for Charlie Kirk, a slain conservative activist, attracting over 1,500 attendees. During the vigil, a "Spirit Rock" on campus was painted with a tribute to Kirk. However, this memorial became a flashpoint for political tensions, leading to confrontation when some students tried to paint over the tribute with paint, resulting in harassment and threats between opposing groups. University officials condemned the incidents and are actively investigating and working with law enforcement to ensure campus safety.
- On September 18, UNCW Police, in coordination with local and state partners, investigated a reported threat on campus. Randall and Discovery Halls were temporarily evacuated as a precaution. The investigation concluded with an all-clear, and campus operations resumed normally. The university advised students to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
- On the evening of September 18, there was a lockdown and shelter-in-place due to unconfirmed reports of a gunman on campus. After thorough investigation, it was confirmed to be a false alarm, and classes were canceled temporarily to allow for a full investigation.
These events reflect a period of heightened tension and concern over safety at UNCW in September 2025. The university administration expressed strong commitment to protecting campus members and upholding a respectful environment for discourse.