Radford University Police: Secure in place, now lifted, due to threatening ‘swatting call’

Police issued the all-clear for Washington Hall after no threat was found

RADFORD, Va.UPDATE:

Radford University has issued an all-clear after police say a threatening “swatting call” caused police activity on campus Monday afternoon.

On Monday around 3:26 p.m., Radford City PD contacted the Radford University Police Department about a threatening phone call, RUPD said.

According to police, the phone call referenced Washington Hall at the university. It was unclear what threat was made.

Officers responded to the local and issued a secure in place for those on campus as a precaution, authorities said.

“The cop actually came in my room and was like “did you hear gunshots?” And we said “no we didn’t”, and he said “well get your shoes on and exit the building,” Khari Rucker, a student who lives in Washington Hall said.

After searching Washington Hall and no threat was found, it was cleared and the secure in place was lifted, according to RUPD.

“This appears to be a swatting call similar to those received by institutions of higher education across the country over the past few months,” RUPD said in a Facebook post. “We appreciate the fast response from our officers and area responders, as well as from members of the public who received the alerts to shelter in place.”

RUPD said they are working with local, state, and federal agencies to identify the caller.

We’re told the investigation is being worked jointly between the Radford University Police Department and the Radford City Police Department.

Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact RUPD at 540-831-5500.

You can see the all-clear alert from RU below.


ORIGINAL STORY

Radford University is under a secure in place, according to its Facebook page.

University officials say there is police activity at Washington Hall, and said to avoid the area.

In the university’s latest update, they said no shots have been fired.

The Radford City Police Department also said there is police activity on Tyler Avenue.

Police are asking that citizens avoid the area of Tyler Avenue from Downey Street to Fairfax Street.

Other details are limited at this time. 10 News is working for you to learn more and has a en route.

This article will be updated once more information has become available.

Stay with 10 News as this story develops


About the Authors

Alli Graham came aboard the digital team as an evening digital content producer in June 2022.

Abbie Coleman officially joined the WSLS 10 News team in January 2023.

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