New Concord, Ohio — The Muskingum County Sheriff's Office has confirmed there was no shooting at Muskingum University following reports of an active shooter on Monday night. The incident unfolded around 6:45 p.m. when the sheriff’s office received multiple calls reporting the presence of a shooter on campus, prompting swift action.
Upon receiving the alarming information, university officials acted quickly. They issued a shelter-in-place order to students, instructing them to remain indoors and secure their locations until more was known about the situation. This precautionary measure was taken as law enforcement agencies rushed to the private liberal arts university, located off Interstate 70 and about 70 miles east of Columbus.
By approximately 8:45 p.m., the sheriff’s office had confirmed via social media and various news outlets, including reports from local stations, there was no evidence of a shooting. “There was no shooting at Muskingum University,” stated the sheriff's office, reassuring students and faculty.
The initial chaos led to the deployment of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Ohio State Highway Patrol, who helped to secure the campus. Police searched several buildings and dormitories thoroughly, yet, fortunately, they found no victims or any shooter present.
Despite the confirmation of safety, the law enforcement presence remained heavy as officers continued to investigate the source of the original calls about the active shooter. The sheriff's office urged the public to avoid the area for the time being, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the campus was secure and any potential threats investigated thoroughly.
This incident has raised concerns about safety protocols at educational institutions, especially following the increasing number of active shooter situations across the country. University officials did not disclose whether the shelter-in-place order had been lifted at the time of the latest updates, but they reassured the community by stating they would keep everyone informed as new information becomes available.
The university, which has around 2,800 students enrolled, was established in 1837 and has long been known for its commitment to providing quality education and fostering community safety. Muskingum's prompt response to the report reflects the heightened awareness and readiness of institutions to handle potential threats.
With safety being the utmost priority for educational establishments, the aim is always to act swiftly and justly to maintain peace and order. This incident, though ending without harm, serves as a reminder of the vigilance required by both law enforcement and educational institutions to remain prepared for any situations potentially affecting student populations.
Authorities have assured the community of their safety, noting, “The sheriff's office is investigating the call for the reported shooter.” They have reiterated their commitment to address any concerns the public may have about campus safety measures and reporting protocols for future incidents.
Overall, this incident, which ended without any reported injuries or evidence of gunfire, highlights both the importance of swift action during emergencies and the necessity of clear communication between law enforcement and educational institutions. With the investigation still underway, the university community remains watchful and hopeful for continued safety.