Campus police at Arkansas State University, in Jonesboro, have declared an active shooter situation to be in effect, according to CBS affiliate KTHV.
A tweet shared by the university reads, “Report of an active shooter spotted at the student union. Everyone should evacuate to the west side of the building and clear the area.”
Bill Smith, public relations spokesperson for ASU, said one individual brandished a weapon on campus. He said no shot have been fired, and he is surrounded by police.
The campus is said to be on lockdown.
The individual with a weapon has been surrounded by police. No shots have been fired, no reported injuries.
— Arkansas State (@ArkansasState) December 10, 2015
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According to the university’s website:
An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and other populated area. In most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly.
All employees can help prevent and prepare for potential active shooter situations. This page provides guidance to individuals, including students and employees, so that they can prepare to respond to an active shooter situation.
Students are advised to…
- Lock and barricade doors and remain calm and out of sight.
- Turn off lights and all audio equipment, including cell phones.
- Stay away from the windows.
- Resist sounding the fire alarm.
According to RT, the current standoff comes “two days after two members of the school’s football team were arrested on drug charges. Chris Stone, a 23-year-old senior defensive end, and Tyler Trosin, 22-year-old senior receiver, were arrested at about 2 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office.”
Whether that is a factor or just idle speculation remains to be seen.
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as updates become available.
*UPDATE* Via Weasel Zippers, a tweet by someone with the handle Razorback Nation suggests the shooter has a propane tank in his truck:
ASU “Active Shooter” Not So “Active”, But Does Appear To Have Large Propane Tank https://t.co/7W6HW1vJ9I #ASU #tcot pic.twitter.com/u9UpvcEjIR
— Rāzərbak Nation (@MediaJuggernaut) December 10, 2015
