This is an ongoing story, The Plainsman will update as more information comes in.
At 5:07 p.m. Auburn University sent out an AU Alert that stated: "AU ALERT: Heavy Police presence at RBD Library. Please avoid the area."
When contacted, campus security stated that the AU Alert contained everything they knew. As of 5:49 p.m. the University ruled the alert to be a false alarm in response to a possible threat on campus.
One individual agreed to talk with The Plainsman about the incident. A freshman girl, who was inside the library during the issue of the alert.
"They [AUPD] also had campus security going around and leading the way [out of the library]. I was kind of like 'maybe it wasn't a shooter, 'cause you would think that they [AUPD] wouldn't send them in there.' But they were almost going into rooms and clearing it, I'm not really sure," she said.
When approached on the scene, once again, campus security denied an interview.
Once the scene was cleared, an AUPD officer approached a reporter for The Plainsman. The officer confirmed that there was a 911 call, regarding a "disturbance in the library."
When asked for a statement for The Plainsman, Jennifer Adams, Vice President for Public Affairs, Communication & Marketing for Auburn University responded with the following.
"Just before 5 p.m., Auburn Police responded to a false report of a possible threat at the Ralph Brown Draughon Library. After thoroughly searching the building, authorities confirmed there was no danger to the Auburn University community. Similar false reports have occurred at universities nationwide. Although today’s report was unfounded, we urge our community to stay vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity to police."
At 7:15 p.m., AUPD released a statement regarding the situation, stating that the call was "fabricated." They further stated that the "unfounded threat" is a felony as defined in Alabama state law. Anyone with further information on the incident should reach out to AUPD at (334) 501-3100, police@auburnalabama.org or by texting the tip line (334) 246-1391.
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Brychelle Brooks, senior majoring in public and professional writing with a minor in information systems, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since August 2023. She previously served as the Campus Reporter, Opinion Editor and Newsletter Editor. She is currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief.
Ella Walton, majoring in English literature with a minor in creative writing, currently serves as the Newsletter Editor at The Auburn Plainsman. Formerly the Culture Editor, Walton has been with The Auburn Plainsman since the fall of 2023.
Luca Flores is sophomore majoring in Professional Flight, and is originally from Los Angeles, California. He has been with The Plainsman since fall 2023.
