ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Washington University in St. Louis issued a series of alerts Tuesday morning regarding a reported armed person on the Danforth Campus, prompting a police response and a period of shelter-in-place instructions for students and staff. The initial alert, issued at 9:18 a.m. Central Time, directed individuals to “Run, Hide, or Fight” – standard active shooter protocol – and to avoid the area if off campus. This incident involving a potential threat on a university campus underscores the ongoing concerns about safety and security at institutions of higher education nationwide.
The university’s emergency website, emergency.washu.edu, initially stated, “WashU Alert: Armed person on Danforth Campus. Run, Hide, or Fight. If hide, lock or barricade yourself in a room until further notice. If off campus, stay away. Updates at emergency.washu.edu.” Approximately 15 minutes later, the alert was updated to indicate that police were actively checking buildings near Brookings Hall, a central and iconic structure on the Danforth Campus, following reports of an individual with a weapon. Crucially, the university clarified at that time that there was no confirmation of an active shooter, but urged those on campus to remain in place.
The situation appeared to de-escalate briefly around 9:45 a.m. When all alerts were removed from the university website. However, the all-clear was short-lived. Just five minutes later, a new alert was posted stating that police continued to be present near Brookings Hall and other buildings on the Danforth Campus, and those on campus were again asked to remain in place. This fluctuating series of alerts created a period of uncertainty and anxiety for the Washington University community.
Timeline of Events on the Danforth Campus
The sequence of alerts highlights the dynamic nature of the situation as it unfolded. The initial “Run, Hide, or Fight” alert, a standard response to potential active shooter scenarios, was followed by a more nuanced message indicating a search for an individual with a weapon but no confirmed active shooter. The brief removal of all alerts, followed by a renewed instruction to shelter in place, suggests a cautious and evolving assessment by law enforcement.
- 9:18 a.m. CT: Initial “WashU Alert” issued – Armed person on Danforth Campus; “Run, Hide, or Fight.”
- 9:33 a.m. CT: Alert updated – Police checking buildings near Brookings Hall; no confirmation of active shooter.
- 9:45 a.m. CT: All alerts removed from university website.
- 9:50 a.m. CT: New alert issued – Police still on scene near Brookings Hall; remain in place.
Brookings Hall and the Danforth Campus
The Danforth Campus, designed in Collegiate Gothic style by Cope & Stewardson in 1899, is the primary campus of Washington University in St. Louis. According to Washington University, the campus features red granite and limestone buildings, pointed arches, and soaring towers, with Brookings Hall serving as a central landmark. The campus similarly offers a variety of amenities, including dining options, a recreation center, a theater, and multiple libraries. The location of the police activity near Brookings Hall suggests a focus on the heart of the academic area.
Navigating the Campus During an Emergency
Washington University provides resources for navigating the campus, including maps and information about the Campus Circulator routes. The university’s CampusNext website offers details on accessibility, bus stops, and parking. During emergency situations, the university relies on its alert system and website to provide updates and instructions to the campus community.
Ongoing Police Presence and Investigation
As of Tuesday morning, the police presence remained on and around the Danforth Campus. The nature of the reported weapon and the identity of the individual involved have not been publicly released. Law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the incident and gather additional details. The university has not provided a timeline for when normal campus operations will resume, but continues to post updates on the emergency website.
The university’s handling of the situation, with its series of alerts and updates, reflects a commitment to transparency and the safety of its students, faculty, and staff. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of potential security threats on college campuses.
Washington University will likely provide further details as the investigation progresses. Updates will be posted on the university’s emergency website, emergency.washu.edu. The university encourages anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Washington University Police Department.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or stress related to this event, resources are available. The National Crisis and Suicide Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 in the US and Canada, and by calling 111 in the UK. These services are free, confidential, and can provide immediate support.
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