Yesterday, the University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) received an anonymous phone call reporting an armed individual holding a hostage at gunpoint inside the Main Administration Building. Our officers responded immediately and followed police protocol to evacuate and safeguard the building against the potential threat. After completing a sweep of the building, it was determined that the threat was unfounded and an all clear was issued. The ongoing investigation of this incident has revealed that the call was placed from an internet based line and linked to a social media account in which numerous "fake" incidents in the area, including the University of Maryland, were mentioned. This incident is still under investigation and when available updates will be posted on-line at http://www.umpdnews.umd.edu
We encourage all students, faculty, and staff to register cell phones at www.alert.umd.edu to receive emergency text messages from the University of Maryland Police Department.
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