The University of North Carolina campus in Chapel Hill was placed on lockdown for three hours after an active assailant situation was reported on Monday afternoon. The lockdown was lifted after UNC Police issued an all clear message, stating that there were no injuries reported. During the lockdown, students and employees took shelter in bathrooms and barricaded themselves in buildings as police searched for an armed and dangerous individual on campus. The university issued its first emergency message at 1:03 p.m. advising people to shelter in place. The campus remained on lockdown as the situation continued, with police releasing a photo of a person of interest in the investigation. Governor Roy Cooper pledged all state resources to capture the shooter and protect the UNC campus. Classes and events for the rest of the day were canceled, and a scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees was also called off.
Students on campus reacted by seeking shelter in designated areas, such as lecture halls and closets, and taking necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Many students expressed feelings of fear and apprehension, not knowing the full extent of the situation or the accuracy of the information they were receiving. However, they remained patient and trusted that the university would provide updates when it was safe to do so.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools also implemented security measures, placing all schools in the district in secure mode before eventually issuing an all-clear for its students. Dismissals were delayed, causing some students who relied on buses to experience significant delays in getting home.
The incident at UNC highlights the importance of preparedness and quick response in emergency situations. The campus community should be commended for their adherence to safety protocols and their support for one another during this challenging time. As investigations continue, it is hoped that authorities will swiftly apprehend the individual responsible and provide a sense of security for the campus and surrounding community.
This is a breaking news story, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
