Southern Utah University faced lockdown after active shooter alert on campus

The university posted an alert at 9:23 a.m. that an unconfirmed active shooter investigation was underway. The alert followed a lockdown in the university which was later lifted.

Southern Utah University was placed on lockdown on Thursday after the university received an alert about an 'active shooter' on campus. By 12:05 pm, the lockdown was being lifted at buildings as they had been searched and safely cleared by law enforcement. Police confirmed that there were no shots fired and also released the description of the suspect.

"On April 11, 2024 at approximately 9:20 am, a suspicious phone call with a threat of an active shooter on campus was received by police dispatch. After an initial alert was sent to students and employees, the campus of Southern Utah University went on lockdown for the safety and protection of the campus community," said the university's official statement.

At 9:30 am, after the university went on lockdown, the SUU Police and Cedar City Police continued investigating campus buildings. At around 9:50 am, a description of a possible suspect was released, along with continued lockdown procedures, to the campus community. It's highly unlikely that the possible suspect was actually involved in this threat, added the official statement of the university.

No one was injured in the incident, but the university closed its campus for the remainder of the day and cancelled all classes, activities, and services. The campus reopened today on Friday.

Southern Utah University lockdown details

"Please wait until your building has been named before exiting any additional buildings on campus. You may receive multiple or delayed text message notifications, please reference emails that are also being sent with the same information," read the university message on the X platform.

At around 12:57 pm, the university said, Bennion, Geo Science, Library, PE, Institute, Business, LEC, and Heat Plant - had been searched and cleared by law enforcement. It is now safe to exit those buildings and clear the area while following law enforcement instructions.

Phase by phase all buildings of the university were searched and cleared by law enforcement.

SUU President Mindy Benson said, "We are grateful to SUU Police and the many local law enforcement agencies for their swift response and superb coordination, prioritizing safety on our campus and in our community. Thank you to all who were an important part of the successful resolution of the situation."

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