University Confirms Prank After Suspicious Person Reported on Campus

December 5, 2014

Around 8 a.m. Georgia Southern University officials received a report of a suspicious person dressed in dark clothing and a mask walking inside of the Math, Physics and old Biology building, 65 Georgia Ave. Within minutes, the Office of Public Safety responded by notifying students, faculty and staff, and securing, evacuating and clearing the building. Other buildings on campus were locked down as a precaution. Students, faculty and staff were requested to shelter in place, or to avoid the area. No weapon of any kind was involved in the incident.

“Our team acted swiftly by immediately responding, cordoning off the area and evacuating the building,” said Michael Russell, chief of police. “Students, faculty and staff were notified within minutes by phone, text and email that there was an incident on campus and to stay put while officials investigated.”

The Office of Public Safety and other local and regional officials received a tip that a graduate student was involved. Upon further investigation it was confirmed that a student wore the mask as a prank and did not intend to cause alarm.

At approximately 12:30 p.m. the University issued an all clear. Officials from the Office of Public Safety will continue to investigate the incident. Classes have resumed in the Math, Physics and old Biology building and the University is operating as normal. Arrangements are being made for students who were affected by the evacuation and closure of the building this morning.