University Of Rhode Island Addresses False Gunman Scare

The University of Rhode Island campus was on lockdown for three hours on Thursday after a hoax gunman threat forced students to evacuate Chaffee Hall, an arts and sciences building (Green Hall pictured).

Rhode Island police are still looking for the prank gunman, but the threat was handled well by the authorities, the Boston Herald reports.

“They did an amazing job getting reinforcements here and the police came immediately,” Taylor Kinzler, a URI junior, told the Herald. “[At first] we thought it was a joke. Nothing like this ever happened before. But once the alarm went off and people started running in the hallway…It’s been very scary with all the recent shootings. We were just hoping everyone is okay.”

In the wake of the incident URI has directed students’ attention to the URI Counseling Center and the campus’s Health Services, according to a news release from the school’s website.

“Although the investigation continues with the State Police, we have been reassured that at no time was anyone in danger,” URI President David M. Dooley said in a statement. “At no point was a gun or a gunman found on the campus.”

“The University is safe and again, I want to commend our outstanding public safety operation led by Major Baker. We thank everyone for their response and cooperation.”

URI resumed classes on Friday.

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