WILLIAMSBURG — The William & Mary campus was told to shelter in place for about 30 minutes Saturday after an anonymous threat received via social media was investigated.
A Tribe Alert was first sent at 2:44 p.m. According to a William & Mary email sent to the media, the “action was taken out of an abundance of caution while William & Mary and Williamsburg Police attempted to locate a person of interest.”
Follow-up alerts assured students the situation was not a test, it was not an active shooter threat, and to text loved ones that they were OK.
Once police had a suspect in custody, the lockdown was lifted. An “all-clear” message was sent at 3:18 p.m.
“The safety of our campus community is a top priority, and we are grateful this incident was resolved safely and without injury,” William & Mary said in a final alert that was forwarded to the media.
William & Mary also thanked its law enforcement partners, and in particular, Williamsburg Police, for the joint response, as well as the cooperation of those on campus for sheltering in place while police were investigating the incident.
William & Mary reminded students that counselors are always available, even on weekends, by contacting the Counseling Center at 757-221-3620.
