Arkansas active shooter update: Police reveal latest information on investigation, lockdown

Following an active shooter alert issued at the University of Arkansas things appear to be settling down. According to multiple reports, police have not been able to confirm any gunshots or injuries, and there were no crime scenes as of 2:45 p.m. ET.

Nowcast 40/29 News Sunrise provided updates on the developing situation as it unfolded. While a full all clear has not been given yet and police continue to investigate, the news is positive.

Fayetteville Police Department spokesman Natalie Eucce said the department got multiple calls about scenes at and near the University of Arkansas. An emergency alert was issued at about 1:27 p.m. ET.

“Avoid the area of Mullins Library due to an active shooter reported,” the Arkansas alert read. “Avoid. Deny. Defend.”

In its response, law enforcement detained multiple people but everyone had been released. As of 3:30 p.m. ET, according to Nowcast 40/29 News Sunrise, some law enforcement agencies were clearing officers from the scene.

However, the Mullins Library still remained in lockdown and others around campus were still encouraged to shelter in place. The active shooter alert was the second at a major university in as many days.

It came just one day after a similar active shooter alert was sent at the University of South Carolina. South Carolina ultimately gave the all clear after finding no evidence of a shooter.

South Carolina sends active shooter alert

Authorities were combing the South Carolina campus “out of an abundance of caution” on Sunday evening. An initial alert from the university was sent out around 6:30 p.m. ET, urging those near the Thomas Cooper Library on the Columbia campus to shelter in place.

By 7:10 p.m. ET, a subsequent alert had been sent indicating there was no evidence of an active shooter. Just before 8 p.m. ET a campus spokesman met with local media and provided an update.

“We received an unconfirmed report of an active shooter at the Thomas Cooper Library,” South Carolina AVP for University Communications Jeff Stensland said. “A Carolina alert was sent out out of an abundance of caution. Right now law enforcement is clearing the building, going floor by floor.

“At this point we have no injuries and we have no confirmation that there actually was a shooter at the library. But, again, out of an abundance of caution, we’re going through the library to make sure. Have more for you soon.”

At 8:17 p.m. ET, per Joe Bruno of WSOC9, the University of South Carolina campus issued an all clear.