North Carolina A&T State University Lockdown UPDATE: Campus Cleared With No Suspect, Injury or Shots Fired
ByNorth Carolina A&T State University (NC A&T) is on lockdown after two reports surfaced of a man on carrying a rifle onto campus.
Around 12:40 p.m., Joe Dominguez reported for Fox 8 News in Greensboro on Twitter that the campus had been cleared. He said police officers were apparently wrapping up their search and were lifting roadblocks.
There has not been any indication as to whether or not the suspect was found or if police determined there is no suspect. The school confirmed via Twitter that the campus has been declared safe and that all activities may resume.
According to the Winston-Salem Journal, the search for the suspect was ongoing as of 11:50 a.m. Monday. Campus Police Chief Glenn Newell told the newspaper two people tipped off authorities about the suspect.
"Anything's possible," Newell said. "We approach every phone call with caution."
Around 10:30 a.m., NC A&T issued its first warning to the public, announcing, "an unknown Hispanic male was in the General Classroom Building with a rifle. Two following updates stated all buildings were to be placed under a shelter in place order while police swept the classroom building.
An hour later, the school issued three more updates, stating the General Classroom Building, Crosby, Merrick and Barnes Halls were being evacuated, as well as the outdoor quad. Since the school has urged students to stay away from campus and anyone on the grounds should find shelter and stay there until further notice. Classes have been cancelled until at least 2 p.m.
NC A&T is a historically black university located in the east part of downtown Greensboro, North Carolina. On its 200-acre campus are a staff of about 660 and a student population of more than 10,000.
Samantha Hargrove, a school spokeswoman, told the Associated Press the campus police received the first report at 9:57 a.m. Since, there have been no reports of shots fired, injuries or suspect verification.