Reports of an active shooter at CWU turn out to be false alarm

February 7, 2019 7:33 PM

Kelsie Morgan,

Posted: February 7, 2019 7:33 PM

Updated: May 20, 2021 9:16 AM

by Kelsie Morgan

Reports of an active shooter at CWU turn out to be false alarm

ELLENSBURG, Wash. — UPDATE: Some CWU staff have canceled their classes Thursday following last night’s events. The university as a whole has decided to keep operations running on a normal schedule, but said “We understand and support the decisions of our faculty. We hope that most will keep their schedule to help restore a sense of normality.”

More Information:

Administrators at Central Washington University are now calling reports of an active shooter on campus Wednesday night a false alarm.

Police say they received at least three reports of gunshots in three different buildings on campus.

The following alert was sent to students and staff around 5:30 p.m.: “CWU Alert: There has been a report of an active shooter in the area of Lind Hall on @CWUWashU Ellensburg Campus. Stay out of the area.”

Campus was placed on lockdown and several buildings were evacuated. Students in other areas sheltered in place for more than an hour and a half, feeling scared and confused as they waited for new information.

Around 7:30p.m., the school announced all buildings had been secured and campus was safe. No evidence of gunshots or anyone injured was found.

Now, the investigation begins to figure out where the reports of gunfire came from.

Classes will continue as normal today. CWU tweeted that counseling is available for any students who may be traumatized by last night’s events. Campus police and the Ellensburg Police Department will also have extra patrols on and around the campus.

CWU President James Guadino said campus police are conducting an investigation regarding the report. Guadino has released a statement saying part, “I am greatly relieved that the report was not true and I would like to thank our campus police department for their efforts to search and secure all the affected campus buildings and to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and faculty.” Read his full statement here.

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