“Pretty scary.” This was the reaction of student Ahmar Khan following a tense afternoon at Mount Royal University in Calgary, where a shelter-in-place order was issued after reports of a man with a weapon on campus.
The Calgary Police Service confirmed that the order was put into effect around 2:45 p.m. and lifted approximately two hours later, at 5 p.m.. The swift response from law enforcement was crucial in ensuring the safety of students and staff during the incident.
Insp. Darren Smith of the Calgary Police detailed the events leading to the lockdown, stating, “The lockdown was issued once we were able to confirm through CCTV, working with Mount Royal security, that there was in fact someone that walked on campus with a knife.”
Authorities later identified the individual involved as a staff member, specifically a chef at the university, who was carrying what appeared to be a chef’s knife. This revelation has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
One person was taken into custody, and while charges may be laid, police have confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to public safety during the event. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing.
Insp. Smith emphasized the seriousness of such threats, stating, “We take these threats very seriously. People need to use common sense when they’re carrying a weapon into … a public area.”
Students and faculty expressed relief as the situation was resolved without further incident. Mount Royal University has since expressed appreciation for the prompt response from police, highlighting the importance of safety on campus.
As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge regarding the circumstances that led to the alarming situation on campus. The university community remains on alert as they process the events of the day.