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  • PCP Fri Sep 19: 🚨 UNCW Lockdown False Alarm + Wilmington Weekend Lineup

PCP Fri Sep 19: 🚨 UNCW Lockdown False Alarm + Wilmington Weekend Lineup

From breaking campus news to live music and local happenings, here’s what you need to know today.

If you have a student at UNCW, last night was stressful. From about 6:30 p.m. until nearly 9:40, the campus was on lockdown after reports of a possible gunman — then multiple gunmen, then shots fired and suspects arrested. In the end, UNCW confirmed it was all a false alarm. Thankfully, the campus is safe, though Friday classes have been canceled as the community catches its breath.

In today’s Port City Pulse:

  • UNCW Chancellor Speaks Out After Threats and Conflicts

  • Lockdown at UNCW Ends After Hours;

UNCW Chancellor Speaks Out After Threats and Conflicts Following Charlie Kirk Memorial

StarNewsUNC Wilmington is addressing escalating tensions after a Charlie Kirk memorial on campus led to confrontations, the defacing of a tribute on the “spirit rock,” and a bomb threat prompting evacuations. Chancellor Aswani Volety expressed being “appalled” at the conflicts and emphasized the university’s commitment to safety, freedom of expression, and fostering respectful dialogue, while coordinating with law enforcement to maintain peace.

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Lockdown at UNCW Ends After Hours; Police Confirm No Shooter Found

WECT – UNC Wilmington canceled Friday classes after a campus lockdown on Sept. 18, sparked by multiple unconfirmed reports of a gunman that were later deemed false. The lockdown lasted nearly three hours as law enforcement swept the campus, with students sheltering indoors until an all-clear was issued around 9:50 p.m. Officials said misinformation circulated widely online, but stressed there was never an active shooter. UNCW Police Chief Frank Brinkley called the situation “thoroughly investigated” and assured the community the campus remains safe.

News Roundup

Local News

Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James was reportedly among three people killed in a plane crash near Franklin, North Carolina. Brett was best known for hits like Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” . FOX Carolina

What You Should Know

Donald Trump's Marine One helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in the UK due to a minor hydraulic issue, though he and First Lady Melania Trump were safely transferred to another aircraft. Express

What Might Surprise You

A heated exchange erupted in Congress when Rep. Rashida Tlaib warned of a “fascist takeover,” prompting Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) to fire back, asking, “Do I look like a member of the Third Reich C-Span

Barack Obama, Ben Stiller, Rosie O’Donnell, Wanda Sykes, and major Hollywood unions condemned the Trump Administration after ABC abruptly suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! amid FCC threats, calling it a dangerous attack on free speech. MovieMaker

Don’t Miss

Outer Dunes Oktoberfest

SAT SEPT 20: Noon @ Outer Dunes Brewing - OGD
Authentic German Brats will be served up all day by Deez Dogs Food Truck + Soft Pretzels by Croftons Pretzels! Both start serving at noon so make sure you order early, these events always sell out! Authentic German Desserts available with proceeds going to Purple Heart Foundation.

Salty Turtle Oktoberfest

FRI SEPT 19: 6PM - SAT SEPT 20: 9Pm @ Salty Turtle Co. - SC
Join us as we celebrate Oktoberfest 2025!!

  • Friday 9/19

  • Lowland Blues 6-9p

  • Saturday 9/20 (First 50 customers receive a glass stein!)

  • Animal Lounge 1-4p

  • Dead Fletchers 6-9p

  • Food trucks, games and more!

Big Gay Hoedown

SAT SEPT 20: 6-10pm @ Waterline Brewing Co - DT
Y’all means ALL! It's the return of the wildly successful BIG GAY HOEDOWN! Join us for a night of dancing, queer country celebrating, and horsing around! We will be blessed by the presence of two mini horses from One Herd, so dress accordingly (cute)! $25-30

Beers & Bows

SAT SEPT 20: 11AM - 1Pm @ Wine Knot Sky Lounge - DT
Whether you’re a brand new girl dad with a baby or a seasoned pro just looking to sharpen your skills, this event is for you. We’ll be learning some simple, go-to hairstyles to help you crush school mornings, dance recitals, or just daddy-daughter days out.

Baila in The Boatyard

SUN SEPT 21: 7PM @ Marina District - DT
Spice up your Sunday with Wilmington Latin Dance at Tequila’s Waterfront for Baila in the Boatyard — a salsa-filled night by the river! 💃✨

🎶 7:00 – 7:30 PM: Beginner Salsa Lesson

🕺 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM: Open Salsa Dancing under the stars!

Lollipopalooza Festival

SUN SEPT 21: Noon - 3Pm @ Wrightsville Beach Brewery - WB
Join us for our annual fun filled Lollipopalooza Family Festival! Come enjoy live music, cotton candy, fairy hair, face painting and meet some cool reptile from Fresh Start Reptile Rescue! This event is free & will be held September 21st from 12pm-3pm!

Weather

Fri Sep 19: ⛅️ Partly Cloudy | 81° / 67° | 8% | ENE 8 mph
Sat Sep 20: ☀️ Sunny | 82° / 68° | 7% | NE 13 mph
Sun Sep 21: ⛅️ Partly Cloudy | 81° / 67° | 17% | NE 15 mph

Live Music

Today

Code Red

7:00 PM @ Locals Tavern - LL

1 Hit Blunder

7:00 PM @ Cloud 9 - ILM

Corey Smith w/Eric Garner

7:00 PM @ Bowstring - SPD

Saturday

Papa Midnight

2:00 PM @ Shuckin Shack - LL

Mac & Juice

2:00 PM @ Wrightsville Beach Brewery - WB

Dirty White Rags

7:00 PM @ Cloud 9 - ILM

Sunday

Backyard Bluegrass

3-6:00 PM @ Tapyard - ILM

Open Jazz Jam

5-8:00 PM @ Fermental - CD

SAL

6:30 PM @ Satellite - GFL

False alarms can rattle a community, but they also remind us to look out for one another. On the bright side, last night’s scare may serve as a valuable drill — giving campus police, parents, and students practice that could make a real difference should a future situation ever prove to be more than a false alarm.

Jason