The Daytona Beach campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University was placed on lockdown Tuesday evening following a reported threat, according to the Daytona Beach Police Department.
Police said the institution received a threat, prompting the lockdown as part of normal safety procedures. Officers were dispatched to the campus to investigate the situation.
Posts circulating on social media suggested the threat targeted the Mori Hosseini Student Union building.
Mike Chitwood, sheriff of Volusia County, told News 6 that a call was made to the university’s security desk at about 8:40 p.m. claiming someone was five minutes away from campus and intended to “shoot it up.”
Security personnel immediately issued a shelter-in-place alert to students and staff.
Law enforcement officers were deployed across campus locations and escorted students to dormitories to shelter safely. Authorities said there were no reports of gunfire and no suspects were seen carrying firearms.
In a statement, the university confirmed the incident and assured the campus community of their safety.
“Earlier this evening, a potential threat was reported at the Mori Hosseini Student Union on Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach Campus prompting immediate action from Campus Safety and local law enforcement. At this time, all students, faculty and staff are safe. Campus Safety and local law enforcement are currently on scene conducting an active investigation.”
Officials have not released additional details as investigations continue.
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