UNCW issues security alert after reports of possible gunman on campus
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The University of North Carolina at Wilmington implemented its shelter-in-place protocol Thursday evening after reports of a gunman on campus.
At 7:18 p.m., the University issued its first security alert which stated that University Police Department was investigating the matter to determine if there’s a real threat or not.
Students and staff who were on campus this evening were instructed to shelter in place.
The alert said, “University Police have received unconfirmed, anonymous reports via social media regarding a subject with a gun on campus,” and that “UPD is taking these claims serious and is investigating.”
Some students reportedly sheltered themselves inside locked classrooms, dorms and other buildings on campus.
Our WWAY crew who was on scene saw a helicopter on campus and drones were deployed.
Law enforcement officers were seen wearing full flak jacket body gear and running across campus.
Some students were sheltering in place in their cars.
At 8:10 p.m., the University issued a second alert which said, “UNCW Alert! Continue to shelter in place. Law enforcement sweeping campus. Will update when more information available.”
Earlier on in the day, UNCW Chancellor Aswani Volety issued a statement (below) urging civil discourse and healing following the events on campus since the assassination of Conservative Activist and Turning Point USA Co-founder Charlie Kirk.
More than a thousand people attended a vigil Monday night for Kirk. A large “spirit rock” located on the grounds outside Fisher University Union was painted in patriotic colors and an image of Kirk.
On Tuesday, a few students painted over the rock covering up Kirk’s image with paint. This led to a week of tension on campus prompting the Chancellor to issue a statement on Thursday.
