BUFFALO, N.Y. — SUNY Erie’s downtown campus was locked down and evacuated following a gun call on Friday morning that did not turn up any weapons, according to Buffalo police.
Why it matters: This incident highlights the heightened concerns around campus safety and the rapid response protocols in place for potential threats.
Buffalo Police, New York State Police, Transit Police, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the campus after a report of a gun.
The police began their response around 10:25 a.m., locking down the campus out of "an abundance of caution."
By 12:25 p.m., law enforcement confirmed there was no person with a firearm on-site.
Driving the news: The emergency began when the campus switchboard received a call claiming there was a person with a gun on the fifth floor of the post office building.
In response, the security team issued an alert, instructing all students and faculty to shelter in place immediately.
Law enforcement units arrived within minutes, sweeping the building and escorting individuals sheltering in place to exit safely.
The lockdown was treated seriously, with officers equipped with military-grade weapons.
State of play: The incident raised suspicions due to the nature of the call.
The caller was brief, did not identify themselves, and failed to respond when police attempted to call back.
As of now, the incident is still under investigation as police continue to assess the situation.
The big picture: Campus safety remains a top priority for educational institutions, especially in light of increasing concerns about gun violence.
Brian Jank, a professor at the campus, described the tense situation, stating, "I pushed the table against the door because ECC trains people on potential situations like that."
He recounted how police arrived and attempted to open his classroom door, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
"About 10 to 15 minutes later, cops came trying to open the door—they had military-grade weapons. It was a pretty serious situation," Jank said.
What they're saying: Officials are communicating the importance of safety and preparedness in such situations.
Dr. Adiam Tsegai, president of SUNY Erie, stated, "The safety of our students, faculty, and staff remains our highest priority. We are working closely with law enforcement and will provide updates as soon as accurate information becomes available."
Students were instructed to hide during the lockdown, and their bags were searched as a precautionary measure.
By the numbers: The response involved multiple law enforcement agencies.
Buffalo Police, SWAT, K9 Unit, Erie County Sheriff's Office, and NFTA Police were all part of the coordinated response.
The incident began shortly before 10:30 a.m. and concluded with confirmation of safety by 12:25 p.m.
Between the lines: The effectiveness of training and preparedness is highlighted in such emergencies.
Jank noted, "Run, hide, fight. Every year, as a professor, we need to take certain training in the event of a dangerous situation or a school shooting situation. It's a good thing they train me every year."
What's next: The investigation into the call continues as authorities seek to determine its legitimacy.
Officials are analyzing the nature of the call and the identity of the caller, who remains unknown.
The campus community is advised to stay informed through official channels as updates are released.
As this situation develops, authorities are committed to ensuring the safety and security of the SUNY Erie community.