Update on Active Shooter Threat at SUU
Published: April 11, 2024 | Read Time: 2 minutes
On April 11, 2024 at approximately 9:20 am, a suspicious phone call with a threat of an active shooter on campus was received by police dispatch. After an initial alert was sent to students and employees, the campus of Southern Utah University went on lockdown for the safety and protection of the campus community.
After the campus went on lockdown at approximately 9:30 am, the SUU Police and Cedar City Police continued investigating campus buildings. At approximately 9:50 am, a description of a possible suspect was released, along with continued lockdown procedures, to the campus community. It's highly unlikely that the possible suspect was actually involved in this threat.
Just after 10:00 am, there were reports of noises that sounded like possible shots being fired near the Science Building. Shortly after, law enforcement was able to confirm that no shots had been fired at or near that building.
By 12:05 pm, the lockdown was being lifted at buildings as they had been searched and safely cleared by law enforcement. Alerts were sent to campus regularly throughout this incident. No shots were fired. No one was injured. While there is not an active threat, in order to allow everyone to care for themselves, SUU has closed its campus for the remainder of the day, including canceling all classes, activities, and services. Campus will reopen tomorrow, Friday, April 12.
There is no longer an active threat to campus. Law enforcement is continuing to investigate the suspicious phone call.
Support services are available for the campus community at suu.edu/mentalhealth and suu.edu/hr/benefits/eap.html. Students and employees may call SUU's Counseling and Psychological Services at 435-865-8621 for virtual assistance today.
SUU President Mindy Benson said, "We are grateful to SUU Police and the many local law enforcement agencies for their swift response and superb coordination, prioritizing safety on our campus and in our community. Thank you to all who were an important part of the successful resolution of the situation."
Contact Information:
Nikki Koontz
435-586-5400
nikkikoontz@suu.edu