Key Points
- WashU issued and later lifted an armed person emergency alert
- Police searched Danforth Campus but found no suspect
- University confirmed there is no active threat
St. Louis, Missouri: Washington University in St. Louis lifted an emergency alert Tuesday morning after police completed a campus search and found no armed suspect, easing tensions that briefly gripped the Danforth Campus.
The university’s Emergency Management Department issued the all clear at 10:21 a.m., roughly one hour after the initial warning triggered concern among students and staff.
“ALL CLEAR. Police have completed their search of the Danforth Campus and did not locate an armed individual. There is no active threat on campus at this time,” the university said in an official update.
Emergency alert triggered rapid response
The situation began around 9:19 a.m. when WashU warned of reports about a possible armed person on campus.
In its first alert, the university urged people to take immediate precautions, advising: “Run, Hide, or Fight. If hiding, lock or barricade yourself in a room until further notice.”
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including St. Louis, Clayton and University City police, responded and began sweeping buildings near Brookings Hall and other campus locations.
Heavy police presence reported
Witnesses described a large law enforcement presence as officers with long guns moved through parts of the campus.
By shortly after 10 a.m., some police units were seen returning to their vehicles as the search progressed.
Officials stressed throughout the response that there was no confirmed active shooter.
Campus operations resume
Following the completed search, university officials confirmed normal activities could continue.
The quick all clear helped calm fears after the earlier warning prompted students and staff to shelter in place across the campus.
Authorities have not indicated what initially triggered the armed person report.
The situation remains under review.
