SUU lifts lockdown, campus secured after active shooter threat

CEDAR CITY, Utah — No shots were fired and no one was hurt but Southern Utah University went on lockdown Thursday morning following a “suspicious phone call” about an active shooter. The university fully lifted the lockdown after several hours.

Listen: KSL NewsRadio’s Becky Bruce shares her Virgina Tech shooting experience following today’s active shooter scare at SUU.

 

According to a statement from SUU, the school was placed on lockdown after authorities got a phone call around 9:00 a.m. “with a threat of an active shooter on campus.”

University officials initially said to be on the lookout for a white man in his 20s with long hair wearing a black hat, black sunglasses, a green t-shirt, and blue jeans. In a statement about the situation, the school said the suspect was “highly unlikely” to have been involved in the threat.

10:23 am: The Science Buildings have been fully cleared at SUU. There has been confirmation that NO SHOTS were fired. ALL buildings still remain on lockdown. If you are on campus, follow lockdown procedures, by going into the nearest room and locking the door.

— Southern Utah University (@SUUtbirds) April 11, 2024

SUU canceled all classes and activities for the rest of the day and said everything would resume Friday.

The Iron County School District was also placed on lockdown, but it was lifted around 11:15 a.m. The school district said the lockdown was a “precautionary measure” and no threats were ever made to any of their schools.

SUU said anyone who sees something suspicious or knows something about the threat should contact the police. The school offered counseling help to its community.

Police are continuing to investigate.

Related: Former lecturer sentenced for terrorist threat against SUU and Cedar City

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