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WHITEWATER, WI (WSAU) – On Wednesday morning, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater issued an ‘Active Threat to Life’ Safety Alert, alerting students and staff that “This is not a drill,” before rescinding the alert shortly after.
According to WISN’s Gerron Jordan, police confirmed there was no danger to life at UW-Whitewater after arriving at the scene around 11 a.m.
“Per our safety protocols, we initiated our emergency communication system until police gave the all-clear,” UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey A. King and Chief of Police Matthew Kiederlen said in a joint statement on Wednesday afternoon. “It was reported to UW-Whitewater Police that an individual walked into Andersen Hall with what people believed was a weapon and was yelling. The individual left the office without incident.”
“We are grateful for all who responded to today’s incident and worked to ensure the safety of everyone on the Whitewater campus,” they continued. “While we are relieved there was no active threat, we understand how deeply upsetting these situations can be for our university community, especially on the first day of classes.”
University officials first sent out a text alert stating, “University Police asks the Whitewater campus community to remain sheltered in place until told otherwise.” Not long after that emergency text was sent, another was sent minutes later: “There is an active threat to life safety on the Whitewater campus, RUN, HIDE, FIGHT!”
Classes and other university events have continued throughout the day as scheduled.
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