An active shooter situation was reported at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, prompting an emergency alert across campus.
“An active shooter has been reported near Cora Miller Hall and Newman Regional Health,” the university said in an emergency notification.
University Issues “Run. Hide. Fight.” Warning
The university immediately issued safety guidelines urging students and staff to take cover:
“If you are near the area: Run. Hide. Fight. If you are off campus, remain away,” the university wrote in a post on X.
Emporia State advised everyone off campus to stay away until further notice.
Police Respond to Emergency Alarm
Police and emergency crews responded after an active shooter alarm was pulled at Newman Regional Health around 4:40 p.m. Thursday. The Emporia Police Department later stated that no active threat was identified after officers thoroughly searched the premises.
“Please continue to use caution in the area while we remain on scene,” the department wrote in a Facebook post.
False Alarm Confirmed, Investigation Ongoing
Emporia Police Chief Ed Owens confirmed that officers were responding to an active shooter call, but noted that no one on the scene had heard gunfire, and law enforcement had actively cleared the building.
The alarm appears to have been false, but authorities urged the public to remain cautious while the investigation continues.
ESU Emergency Notice Details Safety Protocols
The university posted a detailed “Run. Hide. Fight.” protocol on its website, instructing students on how to react during an active shooter situation:
- RUN: If you can escape safely, evacuate quickly. Leave belongings behind and call 911 once in a safe location.
- HIDE: If escape is not possible, find a secure hiding spot, lock doors, silence phones, and remain quiet.
- FIGHT: As a last resort, fight to save your life using improvised weapons and teamwork.
The notice also advised students to check the ESU website and RAVE for updates and to avoid the affected area.
