WILMINGTON, N.C. — The University of North Carolina Wilmington issued a shelter-in-place order Thursday evening after receiving unconfirmed reports of a person with a gun on campus.
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The first campus alert went out at 7:18 p.m., advising students, faculty, and staff to remain indoors and secure doors while University Police investigated.
“University Police have received unconfirmed, anonymous reports via social media regarding a subject with a gun on campus,” the alert read. “UPD is taking these claims seriously and is investigating.”
Witnesses said students quickly sheltered inside classrooms, residence halls, and other buildings as officers swept the grounds.
At 8:10 p.m., a second message urged people to stay put:
“UNCW Alert! Continue to shelter in place. Law enforcement sweeping campus. Will update when more information available.”
The precaution came during a tense week on campus, where students have gathered for vigils and debates about free speech and safety. Earlier Thursday, Chancellor Aswani Volety released a statement calling for calm and “civil discourse” amid recent disputes.
As of late Thursday night, police had not confirmed the presence of any weapon or suspect. University officials said updates would follow as soon as credible details are available.