DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was placed on lockdown Tuesday evening over a threat that turned out to be unfounded, according to the Daytona Beach Police Department.
Police told News 6 that the school received a threat, so the lockdown was “per normal protocol.”
Users on social media posted about the threat, saying it was directed at the Student Union building.
Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood later told News 6 that a call came in to the university’s security desk around 8:40 p.m. saying someone was five minutes away from the campus and that they’re going to “shoot it up.”
Security personnel then sent out an alert to students to shelter in place, he added.
Chitwood said law enforcement went to all campus locations to escort students to dorm rooms to shelter in place.
The university also issued a statement about the incident, which reads as follows:
“Earlier this evening, a potential threat was reported at the Mori Hosseini Student Union on Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus prompting immediate action from Campus Safety and local law enforcement. At this time, all students, faculty and staff are safe. Campus Safety and local law enforcement are currently on scene conducting an active investigation.”
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
No threat was found, and the lockdown was lifted.
“As a parent, this is what everybody thinks about first thing: you want to guard your family and kids,” said Pavan Bayyapureddi, whose child attends Embry-Riddle.
Police said the school received another similar threat Wednesday.
“Because this matter is directly connected to an ongoing investigation, and to ensure investigative efforts are not compromised, further details about the nature of the (second) threat will not be disclosed at this time,” police said in a statement.
The campus was not placed on lockdown Wednesday.
“Contrary to circulating reports, the university was not placed on lockdown. Based on the information received, two law enforcement officers responded to the campus to coordinate with Campus Safety personnel and assess the situation. At no time was there an identified threat requiring a campus-wide lockdown,” police said.