Utah State University faced a tense situation as an evacuation order was issued due to a suspicious package found on campus. Just before a major event organized by Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the alert prompted immediate action from law enforcement. Police were seen on video shouting “fire in the hole!” before detonating the package, creating a scene that garnered attention on social media.
The situation unfolded on September 30, when university authorities warned that everyone in the Old Main Building needed to leave. The alert went out shortly after 2:44 p.m., instructing individuals to exit immediately and comply with emergency personnel. Amanda DeRito, a spokesperson for the university, confirmed that police were responding to a report of a suspicious package. By 3:45 p.m., authorities reported the area was safe and normal activities could resume.
Witnesses shared their experiences during the evacuation. For example, Kiera Larsen, a student in Old Main, recalled the shock of a man coming into the classroom and announcing the need to evacuate. She and her classmates watched as bomb squad units arrived on the scene and witnessed the controlled detonation of the device.
Utah State issued a statement noting that the suspicious item was located near the exterior of Old Main and was determined to be a non-explosive device. Law enforcement acted with caution, choosing to detonate the device to ensure the safety of the campus community. The university reported, “Out of an abundance of caution, the bomb squad detonated the suspicious device,” emphasizing their commitment to safety.
Despite the scare, the TPUSA event featuring prominent figures such as Senator Mike Lee and Representative Andy Biggs continued as planned. Attendees had gathered earlier in anticipation of the discussions expected at the event. Posts on social media confirmed that the event was still taking place, reassured by the swift resolution of the initial threat.
This episode serves as a reminder of the complex environment surrounding public events and gatherings on university campuses. The swift action taken by local law enforcement and university officials highlights the importance of preparedness in addressing potential threats. In these uncertain times, such incidents affect the atmosphere at educational institutions and the peace of mind of students and faculty members alike.
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