COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) – The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) campus was placed on lockdown following a report of a shooting, said the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) in the morning hours of Friday, Feb. 16.
According to CSPD, the police received a report of a shooting at UCCS around 6:15 a.m. and officers quickly responded to the scene. UCCS Public Safety shared on social media that the campus was on lockdown and advised students to lock interior doors, turn off lights, move away from sight, not open the door, and maintain silence.
In a brief update, CSPD mentioned that the shooting deaths at UCCS did not appear to be a murder-suicide and were being investigated as homicides. UCCS remained closed through the weekend, with all offices closed and classes, meetings, events, athletics, and activities canceled. The campus would reopen for support on Monday, Feb. 19.
The police assured the public that there was no active shooter situation and no threat to the community. While the coroner would make the official determination of cause and manner of death, the deaths were being investigated as homicides and remained an active investigation.
As authorities investigated the incident, UCCS was placed on partial lockdown, and Alpine Village residents were asked to shelter in place. However, it was emphasized that there was no active shooter. The campus was closed for the day as a precaution, and the police assured that there was no threat to the public.
Additionally, CSPD emphasized that the incident was being handled as an isolated incident, and the community did not face any safety concern. Public safety authorities did not want movement in and around Alpine Village and advised residents to remain sheltered in place until further notice.
UCCS remained closed for the day, and the authorities advised everyone to remain sheltered in place on campus until further notice. The situation alarmed the community, leading to a temporary lockdown and an investigation into the tragic event.