Possible gunman on University of Rhode Island campus; Update: No shooter found

http://twitter.com/#!/bostonrandy/status/319846984171257856

Campus police are currently investigating a possible gunman at the University of Rhode Island, Kingston:

Investigating possible gunman on campus. Seek shelter and stay where you are until we update further. ww2.uri.edu

— URI (@URINews) April 4, 2013

@cyoung19 Campus police are on scene now. Updating homepage as we get more info. Activating emergency alert system. ww2.uri.edu

— URI (@URINews) April 4, 2013

Fortunately, media are reporting that no shots have been fired:

#URI student: No shots have been fired yet: ow.ly/jKnTX #Gunman

— NECN (@NECN) April 4, 2013

UPDATE: URI still under lockdown after reports of gunman; eyewitness tells us no gunshots seen or fired: wpri.com/dpp/news/local…

— WPRI 12 (@wpri12) April 4, 2013

More:

According to URI spokeswoman, “the gunman pulled out a gun, didn’t fire any shots, and kept repeating “I’m a nice guy”” – NECN

— Joe Brooks (@joebrooks) April 4, 2013

We hope everyone stays safe.

https://twitter.com/Hayls92/status/319849207584415747

Possible gunman on my campus or just a scare who knows everyone satay safe though #uri

— Andrew Vitagliano (@Avitag33) April 4, 2013

Possible gunman on URI campus. Prayers and safety to all there, especially my best friend John

— Taylor Popielarz (@TaylorPopielarz) April 4, 2013

Nothing like getting a heart attack first thing in the morning after learning about uri, stay safe everyone ❤❤❤

— Sarah Vadnais (@svad32592) April 4, 2013

I don’t actually know anybody at URI but I hope everyone’s safe regardless

— sara(@saralynns_) April 4, 2013

I hope everyone on the URI campus is okay. Thoughts and prayers going out to them

— Jordan Bellucci (@jb_swagbear) April 4, 2013

***

Update:

Campus has NOT been cleared. Precautions remain in place. No injuries reported. Stay indoors until further notice. uri.edu

— URI (@URINews) April 4, 2013

Classes have been canceled:

As a precautionary measure, all classes are cancelled today on the Kingston campus only.

— URI (@URINews) April 4, 2013

For the time being, campus shuttles have been stopped, and RIPTA public buses have been diverted away from campus until further notice.

— URI (@URINews) April 4, 2013

Latest update – too long for Twitter – facebook.com/universityofri…

— URI (@URINews) April 4, 2013

State police are in the process of clearing Chafee Hall room by room. Continue to stay indoors until further notice.

— URI (@URINews) April 4, 2013

***

Update:

WPRI is reporting that police have found a Nerf gun:

UPDATE: Police recovered a Nerf gun in URI’s Chafee Hall, but they are continuing to search the building. ow.ly/jKBSJ

— WPRI 12 (@wpri12) April 4, 2013

R.I. State Police Col. Steven O’Donnell told WPRI.com investigators believe there was never a gun or an active shooter, but he said they did recover a Nerf gun and continue to search the building.

We will continue to monitor this story and update with developments.

***

Update:

Thankfully, it appears that URI students and faculty were not in any real danger:

Lock-down ended. Investigation revealed there was no gun or active shooter at any time. Classes resume on Friday. facebook.com/universityofri…

— URI (@URINews) April 4, 2013

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2013/04/04/possible-gunman-on-university-of-rhode-island-campus/