The emergency alert on the Emory University campus Friday afternoon was all too familiar. Just five months ago, a police officer was killed while responding to reports of a shooter, who fired into buildings before killing himself.
This time, any panic was over quickly.
The university campus was given the “all clear” Friday shortly before 3 p.m., about two hours after the emergency alert was issued.
Details about what prompted the alert were not immediately released. But it was definitely not a repeat of the August incident in the area that left a DeKalb County police officer dead and devastated the community, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Friday’s alert was posted on the university’s website shortly after 1 p.m.
“There is a police emergency on the Emory Atlanta Campus at Emory Point near CDC,” the alert said. “Avoid the area. Updates to follow.”
Moments later, the alert updated to state: “Police are on the scene. Continue to avoid the area. Updates to follow.”
Credit: Natrice Miller
Credit: Natrice Miller
The following message posted on the university website just before 3 p.m.: “The emergency for the Emory University Atlanta Campus has been lifted. ALL CLEAR. Please contact emergency personnel as needed.”
A heavy police presence was seen in the area about 2 p.m., but later dispersed.
Jason McDonald, a spokesperson for the CDC, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution a suspicious person was spotted in the Emory Point area, prompting the alert. The CDC campus temporarily increased security at the gates and advised people to avoid the area while the alert was in place.
By 2:30 p.m., officers from both the university and Atlanta police departments were seen leaving the area.
Spring classes began Monday at Emory, according to the university calendar.
— Staff writers Caroline Silva, Jason Armesto and Ariel Hart contributed to this report.
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
