‘No shots fired’: SUU lifts lockdown following reported active shooter scare
CEDAR CITY, Utah (ABC4) — Southern Utah University confirmed there were “no shots fired” on campus after receiving a suspicious phone call reporting noises that sounded like gunfire early Thursday morning, April 11.
The campus went on full lockdown around 9:30 a.m. following reports of the possibility of an active shooter near the Science Buildings. At the same time, the Iron County School District placed a lockdown for several schools in the Cedar City area where Southern Utah University is located.
Officers with Southern Utah University and the surrounding agencies who responded to assist spent the morning searching and clearing several buildings on campus, including the Science Buildings. Law enforcement determined by 10:30 a.m. that no shots had been fired on campus.
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“It takes a lot of man hours. It takes so much effort, so much cooperation,” said SUU Chief of Police Carlos Medina about clearing the campus. “We have such a good working relationship with other agencies that it makes it pretty fluid and easy, given the circumstances, to really do our job effectively and not only help our SUU community but also the citizens of Cedar City.”
Throughout the afternoon, the Southern Utah University officials lifted the lockdown building by building as law enforcement completed their sweep of the campus. The lockdown was fully lifted by 1:10 p.m.
“Thank you for your cooperation. We take the safety of our campus very seriously,” University officials said through social media.
The University canceled classes and activities on campus for the rest of the day. Classes are expected to resume a normal schedule on Friday, April 12.
Medina did not disclose the source of the reported gunfire-like noise but did confirm that SUU police are working with the FBI as they continue their investigation. Medina refused to say if authorities believe the threat was a hoax, saying that will be determined through the investigation.
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“We’re taking it seriously until we find out through our investigation that it was a hoax, then we will call it that,” said Medina. “But, as of right now, it’s an active investigation and we are treating it like an active shooter.”
Shortly after the lockdown began, the University released details of a suspect but officials later said it was “highly unlikely” the suspect was actually involved in the threat.
“We are grateful to SUU Police and the many local law enforcement agencies for their swift response and superb coordination, prioritizing safety on our campus in our community,” said SUU President Mindy Benson. “Thank you to all who were an important part of the successful resolution of the situation.”
The university said students and employees can contact SUU’s Counseling and Psychological Services at 435-865-8621 or access support online at suu.edu/mentalhealth and suu.edu/hr/benefits/eap.
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