Heavy police presence on UGA campus as reports of armed shooter near main library turn out to be hoax
A tense scene unfolded Friday night on the University of Georgia’s Athens campus after police received a report of an armed shooter near the campus library. Within about an hour, investigators determined the incident was likely a hoax, though officers remained on scene to collect evidence and ensure public safety.
What happened
– Around 8:45 p.m., UGA Police received a call reporting an active shooter near the main library, located on South Jackson Street in the heart of campus.
– Responding officers swept the library and surrounding areas and found no signs of a shooter.
– At 9:34 p.m., a preliminary investigation indicated the event was a hoax. Police said they would continue to examine evidence on site and gather information, with officers staying in the area during the inquiry.
– An emergency alert went out at 8:51 p.m. advising people to avoid the library and to refrain from calling emergency lines for information.
What officials are saying
– The UGA Police Department confirmed the call and the subsequent search, noting that, although a shooter was not found, investigators would continue to work at the scene to determine the source of the threat and to gather information.
– The university has urged students and staff to stay away from the library area while the investigation proceeds and to monitor updates at emergency.uga.edu.
Local response and context
– The Athens-Clarke County Police Department assisted with the investigation, working alongside UGAPD to ensure campus and community safety. ACCPD indicated there was no current evidence of an active shooter, but authorities were diligently coordinating with university and other agencies.
– The incident comes amid a broader series of similar hoax active shooter calls targeting colleges nationwide. FBI Atlanta has noted that it is in touch with universities as it monitors and supports investigations into these threats.
National context and related incidents
– Earlier in the week, the FBI announced it would join investigations into a wave of hoax active shooter calls affecting multiple colleges around the country.
– In Georgia, several campuses reported disturbances related to false threats. In the Macon area, lockdowns were implemented at multiple schools, including Central Georgia Technical College and Rutland High School, before authorities determined there was no active threat.
– Other colleges were affected across the country, including Arkansas, Northern Arizona University, Iowa State, Kansas State, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the University of New Hampshire. Reports continued into Tuesday at institutions such as the University of Kentucky and West Virginia University, with some calls accompanied by the sound of gunfire in the background. In several cases, authorities cited the possibility that a single individual or group could be behind multiple hoaxes.
What to know and what’s next
– Authorities emphasize the importance of reporting anything suspicious to law enforcement and remind the public to follow official channels for information during an incident.
– For now, UGAPD and ACCPD are urging continued caution around the library area as the investigation continues. Updates will be posted on emergency.uga.edu as new information becomes available.
– While no active threat was found in this instance, the series of hoax calls underscores the disruption such threats cause and the strain they place on campus safety resources. Investigators are pursuing all available leads and reviewing evidence to identify the source of the calls and prevent future incidents.
Summary
– A report of an armed shooter near the main library at the University of Georgia prompted a rapid emergency response. Investigators later indicated the event appeared to be a hoax, and law enforcement teams remained on scene to collect evidence and confirm the absence of a threat. ACCPD assisted UGAPD, and the FBI has said it is monitoring the nationwide pattern of hoax threats targeting colleges. Students and staff were advised to avoid the area while authorities continue their work, with updates provided through official university channels.
Value-added context and reader takeaways
– This incident highlights the importance of timely emergency alerts and the quick mobilization of campus and local law enforcement when threats are reported.
– In the current landscape of hoax active shooter calls, universities are coordinating closely with local police and federal partners to identify perpetrators and deter future incidents. If you have information that could help investigators, contact campus police or local authorities immediately.
– For students and campus communities, it’s a reminder to stay aware of your surroundings, follow official guidance during alerts, and rely on verified information from university channels rather than social media rumors.
A hopeful note
– The fast response, clear communication, and collaboration among university police, local law enforcement, and federal partners demonstrate a strong commitment to campus safety. While the threat proved to be a hoax, the rapid containment and ongoing investigation reflect effective procedures that help protect students, staff, and nearby residents in times of uncertainty.