University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the surrounding area are currently on lockdown as police search for an armed individual who was reported on or near campus. UNC Police released a photo of a person of interest on Twitter and have advised all students, faculty, and staff to go inside immediately, close windows and doors, and follow directions from emergency responders or university officials. The campus remains on lockdown as the active assailant situation continues.
The university issued an emergency message through Alert Carolina, urging people to shelter in place and promising to provide more information as it becomes available. Students and faculty have followed the instructions, taking refuge in secure locations. Senior Anna Connors, who sought safety inside the FedEx Global Education Center, described the initial chaos and panic followed by a sense of waiting and uncertainty as everyone remained huddled together, not knowing what would happen next.
Chapel Hill Police are also present at the scene, and as of now, there have been no confirmed injuries. The situation has prompted Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools to enter into secure mode with closed and locked doors at all schools. Chapel Hill Transit has stated that all buses are currently holding their positions.
This incident comes at a time when UNC-Chapel Hill is in the second week of the fall semester, with approximately 30,000 students in attendance. The university canceled a scheduled Board of Trustees meeting in light of the ongoing situation.
Authorities have yet to release further details about the armed individual or the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
In the interest of public safety, it is important for students and residents in the area to remain vigilant, follow the instructions of law enforcement officials, and prioritize their safety until the situation is resolved.
