WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – A shelter-in-place order was issued Wednesday night at the campus of Monmouth University after rumors of a possible active shooter roaming the campus. Students were locked down, fearing that their school could be the target of a mass shooting.
At 9:15 pm, university officials and police ordered a shelter in place for all staff and faculty.
Police responded and searched the campus. After nearly five hours, police and university officials gave the all clear. There were no active shooters on campus.
On Thursday, Monmouth University had a delayed open because of the impact of last night’s incident, officials said.
At around 9:15 pm, campus police received a report about a weapon on campus and shots fired.
After their investigation, police learned from video surveillance footage that the person in question was a female university student. She was carrying a curling iron that was mistaken for a gun.
“Please be advised that the Monmouth University campus has been deemed safe. Based upon the diligent efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, the initial information regarding an armed subject on campus and shots having been fired was unfounded,” the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office said.