ETSU: Construction noise led to shots fired report

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect new information.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Noise from construction at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) led to a lockdown and a report of shots fired on Tuesday.

The university sent out a previous alert stating an armed person was on campus around 9:30 a.m. Students and faculty were asked to avoid the Sam Wilson Hall area due to a report of shots fired.

A spokesperson for ETSU confirmed to News Channel 11 that no shots were fired on campus, the noise originated from construction equipment. There is no threat to campus, according to the spokesperson.

An all-clear was sent out at 9:35 a.m.

ETSU President Brian Noland issued a notice of his own later Tuesday morning and said all operations had resumed on a normal schedule after the all-clear was sent out.

Noland thanked the faculty and staff at Sam Wilson Hall for their actions in the face of the apparent threat and also noted ETSU Public Safety’s quick response.

“While this incident turned out to be a false alarm, I am very proud of the campus and the manner in which everyone acted swiftly in response to the alert,” Noland wrote. “Today’s event was a reminder of the importance of being informed on how each of us should respond during an emergency situation. Your attention and quick response are crucial in these situations.”

Noland encouraged everyone on campus to sign up for alerts by downloading the ETSU Safe app.

According to Noland, counseling services are also available for anyone who needs them at the Counseling Center on the third floor of the Culp Student Center.

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