EMPORIA, Kan. — A tense situation unfolded Thursday afternoon in Emporia after Emporia State University (ESU) issued an emergency alert warning students and staff of a possible active shooter near Newman Regional Health, a facility located just off campus.
The first alert was issued at 4:40 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, through both the university’s official emergency notification system and its social media channels. The message urged immediate safety precautions, reading:
“ESU Alert: An active shooter has been reported at Newman Regional Health. If you are near the area: Run. Hide. Fight. If you are off campus, remain away.”
Within minutes, multiple university buildings, including Cora Miller Hall, which sits in close proximity to Newman Regional Health, were placed on lockdown. Students and faculty reported being told to shelter in place, locking doors, turning off lights, and staying away from windows while authorities responded.
Response from Law Enforcement
Local police, sheriff’s deputies, and ESU campus security quickly converged on the area. Officers were seen establishing a perimeter near the medical center and directing traffic away from the surrounding streets. Emergency dispatch confirmed that officers were working to secure both the hospital grounds and adjacent parts of the campus.
As of 6:00 p.m., details about the reported shooter—including whether any shots had been fired or if there were injuries—remained unclear. Authorities have not confirmed if a suspect has been taken into custody, but they emphasized that the situation is still under investigation and urged residents to avoid the area until further notice.
Campus Impact
For students, faculty, and community members, the alert caused immediate fear and confusion. Social media posts from those sheltering inside campus buildings described the eerie silence of locked-down classrooms and offices, while others shared messages of concern for loved ones in the area.
University officials stressed that their priority was ensuring the safety of all students, staff, and hospital personnel. The administration urged everyone to remain patient and follow directions from law enforcement while the investigation continues.
Community Alert
Emporia residents were also affected as word spread quickly across the city. Many parents rushed to contact their children at ESU, while others reported heavy law enforcement presence near the hospital. Nearby businesses were advised to keep doors locked until the situation was declared safe.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials from Emporia State University and Newman Regional Health are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available. At this time, no confirmed casualties have been announced. Authorities have emphasized that the public should rely only on official ESU alerts and law enforcement updates to avoid misinformation.
The university reminded students and staff of its Run. Hide. Fight. training protocol, a nationally recognized strategy for responding to active shooter situations.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as law enforcement releases more details about the incident.
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