False Alarm Triggers Panic at Emporia State University Over Active Shooter Alert

An active shooter alert at Emporia State University caused panic before police confirmed it was a false alarm. The university issued emergency protocols, but no threat was found. This incident adds to a wave of recent false alerts at U.S. colleges, reflecting heightened sensitivity around campus safety nationwide.

An active shooter alert at Emporia State University in Kansas sparked panic on Thursday after emergency notifications were sent warning of a potential threat near Cora Miller Hall and Newman Regional Health. The university urged those nearby to follow “Run. Hide. Fight.” protocols and advised others to stay away from campus.

The alert prompted swift responses from both campus and local law enforcement. Officers from the Emporia Police Department arrived on the scene and launched an immediate investigation. However, after a thorough search, authorities confirmed that there was no active threat and the situation had been a false alarm.

“Please continue to use caution in the area while we remain on scene,” the Emporia Police Department stated, reassuring the public that no shooter had been found and that the emergency likely stemmed from a false alert.

During the scare, the university reminded students and staff of its active shooter guidelines. The advice included evacuating if safe, finding secure hiding places if escape was not possible, and fighting only as a last resort. It emphasized staying calm and following instructions when law enforcement arrives, keeping hands visible and avoiding sudden movements or shouting.

The incident follows a string of similar alerts across U.S. college campuses, many of which have also turned out to be false alarms. Just recently, a panic at the University of South Carolina was caused by an umbrella mistaken for a weapon. Several other universities, including Kansas State and the University of Colorado Boulder, have experienced similar hoaxes or misunderstandings.

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Although no injuries occurred in Emporia, the event highlights growing anxiety around campus safety and the challenges of responding quickly to potential threats—even when they turn out to be unfounded.