Fayetteville Campus Community Responds to Active Shooter Incident at University of Arkansas: What You Need to Know

FAYETTEVILLE — On Monday afternoon, two freshmen at the University of Arkansas, Krish and Rohan Patel, were studying in the Mullins Library when chaos erupted. They heard sirens and saw police rushing by, guns drawn. Their phones buzzed with an alert about an active shooter on campus.

In a hurry, Krish packed his things and hid in a bathroom with around 20 others. Inside, the atmosphere shifted between calm and panic. While Krish stayed focused, several students were visibly upset, calling family and crying. “I did what I was taught in active shooter drills,” Krish shared, noting, “But nothing prepares you for this.”

After a tense 10 to 20 minutes, police arrived and led them outside. Rohan felt nervous but said he and a few others had already devised a plan—to take action together if needed. Thankfully, they weren’t facing a real threat.

Assistant Police Chief Matt Mills later clarified that the incident was likely a case of “swatting.” This term refers to making a false call to prompt a massive police response. Mills reported 308 calls flooding in within a short period, including 31 to 911. “So far, we have no evidence of any shots fired,” he assured the public during a press briefing.

The university’s first alert went out at 12:27 PM via its RazALERT system, urging people to avoid Mullins Library. As the situation escalated, local police and other agencies quickly joined the response.

By 2 PM, law enforcement determined that there was no active shooter or any confirmed injuries. All alerts were lifted, but the emotional toll was significant, especially for those closely affected by the events. Many students had just returned to campus for the semester and were still settling in.

Ethel Goodstein, an architecture professor, took swift action during the scare. She moved students to safer areas in her building while waiting for guidance from police. “This campus should be a safe space,” she remarked, noting the need for healing in the aftermath.

In response to the potential threat, Fayetteville Public Schools enacted lockdown procedures to safeguard students. Notices reassured families that while schools were secure, lessons continued.

This unsettling incident at the University of Arkansas echoes a tragic history. Nearly 25 years ago, a professor was shot by a student on the same campus. This stark reminder shows how important safety continues to be in educational environments.

The recent incident is part of a broader trend. A 2022 study revealed that swatting incidents have surged, causing panic and diverting resources. Authorities are increasingly focused on identifying those who misuse emergency services to ensure accountability.

As the community reflects on this event, conversations about safety, preparedness, and emotional recovery will likely continue. The road to full healing may be long, but support systems such as counseling services can help students and staff process their experiences.



Source link