Students, Staff Ordered to Shelter at Laurentian University Amid Weapons Complaint
Authorities investigate as community remains on alert.
The tranquil campus of Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, was shaken to its core as students, faculty, and staff were ordered to shelter in place following reports of a weapons complaint. The Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS), alongside campus security, quickly sprang to action, investigating the validity of the alarming reports.
The shelter-in-place order was officially communicated via email, with the university president, Lynn Wells, urging the community to remain inside for their safety. “All students, staff and faculty are asked to shelter in place until any threat is resolved,” the email stated, sent out around 10:13 AM on January 27, 2025.
Initial reports indicated police presence, with multiple cruisers parked near the Alfonse Raymond building. Additional units were seen approaching the Parker building as officers began searching the campus grounds. “Officers are working with campus security to determine the location and validity of the complaint,” GSPS spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn told CBC News.
By 11 AM, the university sent out another update, maintaining the shelter-in-place directive. “Please continue to shelter in place. Police are on site and are conducting a search of campus,” the university's message read. Students who were inside classrooms reported being locked down, with lights off to prevent any visibility from outside.
One student who spoke with CTV News described the scene, saying, “I’m locked in my classroom. We were told to keep quiet and stay put.” This sentiment of anxiety was echoed by many, as parents and loved ones expressed concern for the safety of those on campus. Reports of heightened fear were rampant as parents reached out to Sudbury.com for updates on their family members.
The environment on campus was described as tense, with students using social media to share their experiences during the ordeal. “The university is currently investigating the situation,” Laurentian's communication team stated. “We issued the shelter-in-place advisory to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.” There was palpable uncertainty as students continued to await updates from authorities.
University officials received mixed feedback about the alert system; some stated they received the notification later than expected. “One person told Sudbury.com the alert wasn't issued until around 11 AM,” added the source. There was confusion among the community about the situation, with some students feeling unprepared for such incidents.
By noon, police continued their extensive search of the university's grounds. A post on Laurentian's Facebook page reassured individuals concerned about their safety, stating, “Police are on site and are conducting a search of the campus. More information will be shared as it becomes available.” This was part of the university's efforts to keep the community informed and calm.
Throughout the morning and early afternoon, various updates from the GSPS indicated the seriousness with which they were addressing the complaint, affirming their commitment to student safety. “We have numerous officers on campus collaborating with security. Students need to take this seriously until we can assure it is safe,” Dunn mentioned.
Students reported seeing significant police activity, with multiple vehicles patrolling and stationed strategically across campus. One eyewitness remarked, “I've seen four police cruisers pass by. They are definitely taking it seriously.” The show of force seemed to bring some level of comfort to students who speculated about the nature of the complaint.
Meanwhile, community members rallied on social media, expressing solidarity: “Praying for everyone at Laurentian right now,” one post read, capturing the worrying sentiments shared by outside observers as news of the situation circulated.
Reports noted the immediate threat of violence was unconfirmed, leading many to speculate about the nature of the police response. Whether the source of the complaint stemmed from misinformation or was legitimate was still under investigation, according to officials. Throughout the ordeal, campus authorities were proactive, reiteratively requesting individuals not to venture out until the all-clear signal was issued.
At approximately 1 PM, as police began clearing buildings room by room, officials were still gathering information but had yet to reach any conclusions about the legitimacy of the original complaint. More updates were anticipated as the situation remained dynamic and fluid.
Graphic design student Tara McKinney described her unease during the lockdown: “It’s scary not knowing what’s happening outside the classroom. You hear sirens, and it makes your heart race.”
While the search concluded without confirmed incidents or any discoveries of weapons, police continued to request vigilance from the campus community. “If you observe anything unusual, please contact campus security at 705-673-6562,” officials urged throughout the day.
This was more than just a drill; it was a reminder of the unforeseen challenges universities face to maintain safety and security amid unpredictability. The shelter-in-place measure concluded later, with officials assuring everyone of heightened awareness on campus.
Laurentian University plans to conduct reviews and provide counseling for students affected by this incident, reinforcing their commitment to creating a safe educational environment.
To date, the investigation remains open as police sift through information and communicate with the university.