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Possible Threat of Violence

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The University of Utah Department of Public Safety is actively investigating a possible threat of violent activity involving unlawful weapons on campus. The threat is centered at the Union Building. Out of an abundance of caution, the Union Building will be closed at the end of business on Friday, Sept. 9, at 5 p.m. All business operations and special events in the building have been cancelled that evening.

University Police is increasing patrols on campus until the threat has been mitigated or the investigation is complete. Events planned for other parts of campus on Friday evening and the upcoming weekend are not expected to be impacted.

Any member of the community who sees weapons being carried openly on campus or suspicious activity should call University Police at 801-585-2677.

Updates will be posted at alert.utah.edu.

Prevention and Safety Tips:

This safety warning is being issued as part of the University of Utah’s efforts to provide timely notifications about serious or ongoing threats to the campus community. While it may be distressing to learn about this incident, it is being shared so you can best protect yourself. Responsibility for a crime lies with the person committing it; however, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing crime. Please remember:

  • Use the U’s SafeRide program or a courtesy escort (main campus: 801-585-2677; University Hospital: 801-581-2294) to get around campus.
  • If you feel uneasy, leave the area. Go to a safe location and notify University Police at 801-585-2677, or in case of an emergency, dial 911.
  • Take care of one another and consider stopping and being present until help arrives in situations where someone may be experiencing harm. The person causing harm may stop if other people are around.
  • Report any suspicious activities to University Police at 801-585-2677. Be prepared to provide as many details as possible.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions, especially when walking alone. Try to avoid isolated or dark areas. Walk in groups whenever you can—there is safety in numbers.
  • If a person approaches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, maintain a distance and be observant; if they are in a vehicle, get the license plate number, make, model, color, and any additional identifiers, such as damage to the vehicle and direction of flight, if possible.

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