University of Arkansas Cleared After False Active Shooter Reports
Earlier today, the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville experienced a major scare when multiple reports of an active shooter on campus triggered widespread concern. Around 12:30 p.m., the university’s alert system sent out a RazAlert notifying students and faculty to “avoid, deny, defend” near Mullins Library. Immediately, campus police, along with the Fayetteville Police Department and even the FBI, responded to the scene to investigate.
Assistant Chief Matt Mills of the University of Arkansas Police Department later described the situation as likely a “swatting or hoax call.” Despite the alarm, authorities confirmed that no gunshots were heard and no injuries occurred. In total, 308 landline calls and 38 emergency 911 calls were received, covering seven different buildings on campus, including the library, 1021 Food Hall, the Windgate Art and Design District, Pat Walker Health Center, the Fine Arts Center, Old Main, and Humphreys Hall.
After thorough investigation, police could not identify any active threats. Students had been evacuated as a precaution, and Fayetteville authorities assisted in clearing the buildings. By approximately 2:45 p.m., the “avoid, deny, defend” protocols were lifted, allowing students to leave campus safely. Classes for the remainder of Monday were canceled, though housing, dining services, and Razorback Transit continued operating normally. Counseling and employee assistance services were also made available to support anyone affected by the scare.
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Students who were on campus described the situation as confusing and unsettling. Freshman Michael Kittell explained that he received the alert while packing up to leave, and suddenly everyone around him started moving without hearing any actual gunfire. Similarly, Raiden Morton, who was on the second floor of Mullins Library, reported hearing yelling and a man shouting “shots fired,” but confirmed that no gunshots were actually heard.
Several Fayetteville public schools were temporarily placed on “secure status” as an added safety measure, though most schools resumed normal operations shortly after. Fayetteville Police emphasized that, despite multiple reports of suspicious behavior and a vehicle being briefly detained, no arrests had been made, and no evidence of criminal activity or active threats had been confirmed.
As of the latest updates, the University of Arkansas campus is operating as if no active shooter exists. Police remain on site to assist anyone still sheltering, and the university has assured students and staff that safety remains the top priority. While the incident caused understandable alarm, authorities continue to investigate the source of the hoax calls to prevent future disruptions.
This incident serves as a reminder of how quickly misinformation can create panic and the importance of calm, coordinated response by both university and local law enforcement. The university community can now breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that today’s scare was indeed a false alarm, and normal campus life is set to resume.
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