Update: McNeese State University issued a statement on what unfurled on campus. “This afternoon, McNeese Police responded to a complaint of a cannabis odor coming from a unit inside a residence hall. Upon arrival, the responding officer encountered two individuals who were not McNeese students inside a room. Upon a consented search of personal property, a firearm was located and confiscated by the responding officer. Subsequently, one of the subjects fled, and a foot chase ensued. It was unknown if the subject was armed upon fleeing, but out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with protocols, a campus shelter-in-place notification was issued until McNeese Police had the situation fully under control. Once McNeese Police was able to update campus leadership that the matter was stabilized, the shelter in place was lifted,” they said.
“Students and employees are reminded that suspicious, unusual, and inappropriate activity on campus should be immediately reported. The safety of our students and employees is a top priority,” the statement added.
Original story: A shelter-in-place was issued for McNeese State University at 4205 Ryan St, Lake Charles in Louisiana on Wednesday, prompting fears of a shooting. Unverified reports on Facebook and X claimed there was a shooting and an active shooter, which had prompted the lockdown.
“McNeese Shooting: Active Shooter, Lockdown at McNeese State University. A shelter-in-place order and active lockdown situation at McNeese State University sparked concern across campus Wednesday afternoon,” a page on Facebook wrote. This claim was repeated on X as well.
However, there are no confirmed reports of a shooting having taken place there. A shelter-in-place order was however issued for McNeese as per local channel KPLCTV.
{{/usCountry}}However, there are no confirmed reports of a shooting having taken place there. A shelter-in-place order was however issued for McNeese as per local channel KPLCTV.
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The report noted that students got a message around 4:18pm, which read, “This is not a drill. McNeese State University Police have called an immediate Shelter In Place.” However, the shelter-in-place was lifted around 4:54pm and students got a message about the same.
The publication noted that the cause for the shelter-in-place order to be issued remains unclear. They, however, clarified that there was no shooting on campus despite rumors.
The Lake Charles Police Department has not commented on the matter yet.
McNeese: Reactions amid lockdown, fears of shooting
Several people reacted to the reports of the lockdown at McNeese university. Several claims were made as well, but these remain unverified.
“Someone fled police with a gun. They have him now,” one person wrote, claiming it came from a ‘reliable source’. Another mulled “Could be a training exercise…”. However, the notification had clearly said that it was not a drill.
“Is there an active shooter on campus or some other incident,” one asked, expressing fear. Another questioned “Has anyone had any contact with anyone that is on campus right now?,” seeking updates from the ground.
One person offered prayers as the situation unfolded. “Lord, in this moment of fear and uncertainty, we ask for your divine protection over every student, faculty member, staff person, and any persons on campus. Please hold those in hiding, locked in, or waiting for loved ones close, and bring safety to every corner of the university. Guide those working to end the violence, give strength to the fearful, and provide peace and wisdom in real time. Amen,” they wrote.
Yet another made a claim about a firearm falling out. “I’m at McNeese locked inside building A sheriffs deputy told a coworker that gun fell out of pocket from person running from sheriff,” they wrote.