Man Threatening Shooting at University of Minnesota Located and Contained in Chippewa County

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
11/01/2024 20h26

MINNEAPOLIS - After hours of search and anticipation, authorities have located and "contained" the man who had earlier threatened to shoot people on the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus. The incident led to a temporary lockdown and heightened security measures at the university.

Law enforcement agencies had been searching for a 41-year-old man following a tip-off received by the Chippewa County Sheriff's Office about a social media post Thursday morning, referencing a threat to staff and students at the university. Deputies immediately initiated a search of the suspect's residence, but his whereabouts remained unknown for several hours.

Around 1 p.m., university officials confirmed that the man had been located and contained in Chippewa County, allowing the campus to resume normal operations. The presence of law enforcement had been visible throughout the morning, with squads stationed outside various university buildings.

In response to the situation, university authorities urged students and other individuals to stay away from the campus until the situation was resolved. Nonessential employees were also requested to work from home if possible. With the start of the spring semester only a few days away, there were relatively fewer students present on campus than usual.

Jeremy Plofsky, a student at the university, expressed his concern about the incident, stating, "If you really think about this day and age with gun violence across the country, I would say I have a right to be concerned."

The University of Minnesota Fairview Campus, as a precautionary measure, was placed on lockdown during the search for the individual. While the campus remained open with normal operations, extra officers were deployed to patrol the area, ensuring the safety of all those present.

The specific details regarding the containment of the suspect and any charges that may be filed against him have not been released at this time. Authorities have yet to provide additional information about the nature of the threat or any possible motives.

As investigations continue, university officials will be working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of all members of the campus community.

The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing concerns surrounding gun violence in the country, prompting campuses and institutions to remain vigilant in their efforts to maintain a safe environment for students and staff.

The University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus looks forward to resuming its regular activities as it prepares to welcome students for the upcoming spring semester, commencing on Tuesday.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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