BROOKINGS – An “All Clear” security report that went out to South Dakota State University staff and students Wednesday night left people asking questions about what had happened.

The email message was received about 10:20 p.m. Wednesday and said, “Report of Active Shooter on campus unsubstantiated – NO THREAT – ALL CLEAR.” 

Those who received it wondered why they had not received any earlier notice and if they had been in danger.

One of the reasons no prior notice went out, according to Mike Lockrem, director of University Marketing and Communications, was that “the initial call never came into UPD.”

The initial call went to a Residential Life building, Lockrem said. 

The University Police Department became involved about 9:30 p.m. and quickly determined there was no threat.

“It was an unsubstantiated report of an active shooter on campus. It was based on an unfounded assumption and did not include any information or confirmation of suspicious activity,” Lockrem said, adding no suspect or location was indicated. 

“There was no information or confirmation of suspicious behavior. There was no indication of any whereabouts or any shots fired to confirm suspicious behavior.”

Once UPD was involved, they acted quickly to determine what was happening.

“They were on campus addressing information,” Lockrem said.

“We’re talking a period of maybe 30 minutes,” he said. “They were working on the All Clear shortly after 10 p.m.”

When asked if they would put out an earlier notice in future situations, Lockrem said each situation is different and “circumstances dictate the response.”

An SDSU Safety and Security email went out to all SDSU faculty, staff and students this morning from Michael Adelaine, vice president for technology and safety.

It read: “Last night an unsubstantiated report of an active shooter came into campus from a person in the community. The report was based on an unfounded assumption and it did not include any information or confirmation of suspicious activity. UPD, along with the Brookings Police Department, responded to the report and an ‘All Clear’ message was sent shortly after 10 p.m.,” Adelaine wrote.

“Safety and security is paramount at South Dakota State University. We all have a responsibility to ensure our campus community remains a place where people feel safe. We encourage students, faculty and staff to report any suspicious activity to UPD in a timely manner. 

“To contact the University Police Department, dial 605-688-5117. For emergencies, dial 111 from a campus phone or 911 from a cellular phone.”