There is no current, credible threat to the University of Oregon. The following message is being shared by the UO on May 13 at the request of the family of the person who recent rumors have said intended harm to campus. The rumors spread on social media are UNTRUE and the family has asked for the opportunity to clear this up; the names of the family and individual are not shared for obvious privacy reasons. This statement is also posted on the UO Alerts page.

We are the family members of the person who, during a mental health crisis, made posts on a Facebook page that some people found worrying or threatening.

These posts never threatened violence to the UO or any person, but showed the strained state our family member was in. Other people somehow pulled from this that our family member was threatening violence to the campus and then shared that with each other on social media, and that went viral.

We want the community to know that our family member is not a threat, and is in the hospital under secure care this week and our family member will leave the state and come home with us after leaving the hospital. Our family member has no guns, no history of violence. Our family member is a person having a mental health crisis and receiving needed care. Our family member only has wanted to do good in the world, but in this state, the words used on Facebook to express fragmented thoughts were unusual.

We are sorry that this has resulted in worry or fear for people at the school our family member loves. We hope that you will understand that our family member is not a threat and to please respect our family’s need to take care of one another at this time.

__________________

A reminder from law enforcement: If people ever have information about actual threats of violence they should call 9-1-1, or contact police at non-emergency numbers: UOPD 541-346-2919; Eugene Police 541-682-5111.

Social media posts warning about a threat of violence at the University of Oregon are not accurate.

Police have been investigating, and there are no current credible threats to the UO. Campus will be operating normally.

UO Police are aware of recent social media posts by a member of the UO community that caused some concern. Police contacted the individual and the person is voluntarily cooperating with police and local partners. Police do not consider the person a threat currently and are doing everything legally possible to address the situation. Privacy laws prevent police from sharing more information.

Information shared by others on social media since Saturday, May 11 is not accurate. The original posts of concern did not threaten the campus, or threaten shooting.

Police would like to remind all members of the community to immediately and directly share information or concerns with law enforcement about possible self-harm or harm to the community. Do not simply share on social media, and do not share unfounded information. Police and UO leadership appreciate those who have shared information directly. All campus community members are encouraged “if you see something, say something!”

If people ever have information about actual threats of violence they should call 9-1-1, or contact police at non-emergency numbers: UOPD 541-346-2919; Eugene Police 541-682-5111.

Updates if available or necessary will be posted to the UO Alerts page.

The Armed Suspect incident is all clear. Updates if and when available will be posted at UO Alerts.

[5/4/2019]

Location: Parking Lot 16 [E 13th Ave & Kindcaid]]

What/Suspect Description: A report of an armed suspect. Shots fired

UO Action Taken: Law enforcement is responding to the incident.

What to do: Avoid the area. If you can provide information about this incident call 541-346-2919. In emergencies or if you see a crime being committed, call 9-1-1.

A report of an armed suspect [insert location]. Avoid the area. Updates when and if available will be posted to the UO Alerts page.

This is a test of the UO Alert system.

For more tips and training on emergency preparation and response, for individuals and UO departments, visit Emergency Management and Continuity.

Reminder: Use caution around campus. Be mindful of trees and roof lines that could drop snow unexpectedly, and please respect and follow any signage meant to keep people away from potentially hazardous areas. Parking lots are being plowed as quickly as possible. Use caution parking, driving and walking, and consider carpooling or busing. Cleared campus areas are being regularly updated online.

See updates and important information if and when available on the UO Alerts page.