The usually vibrant University of New Orleans (UNO) campus fell eerily silent Friday morning as police alerts blared into students’ phones, demanding an immediate evacuation. University officials and campus police, acting on what they described as a “potential threat,” urged everyone — students, faculty, and staff — to leave all university grounds without delay. This came as emergency responders also placed a nearby school on lockdown amid swirling uncertainty and heightened tension in the heart of Louisiana’s largest city.
The order came early in the day, catching many off guard as they were headed to their first classes or grabbing coffee in the student union. UNO Police sent out campus‑wide alerts saying officers were “aware of a credible and developing situation,” prompting the unprecedented move to evacuate the entire campus. Officials did not immediately share specifics of the threat, but the urgency in communications was unmistakable, pushing hundreds to gather personal belongings and rush to safety.
As the evacuation unfolded, parents and relatives of students scrambled for information, bewildered by the lack of clear details. Some students posted messages on social media describing the chaos — students leaving classrooms mid‑lecture, cars clogging exit routes, and friends trying to regroup and figure out where everyone should meet. The university’s last official statement reassured the UNO community that no confirmed danger had been identified yet, but that authorities were taking no chances.
Law enforcement vehicles with flashing lights lined the perimeter, and local authorities expanded their response to include a nearby elementary and middle school, which went into lockdown as a precaution. Parents gathering outside the school were told to remain calm but stay clear of the campus perimeter until officers could determine whether the threat extended beyond the university grounds. Students at the school were kept in secure classrooms while police swept the area.
This is not the first time UNO has faced a serious disruption. In past years, campus threats — from cyber intrusions to verbal threats by individuals — have prompted cancellations and law enforcement action, although none escalated to the point of a full evacuation of the entire student body. In 2022, a suspect was arrested after making threats which forced a temporary shutdown and cancellation of classes before normal operations resumed.
As the midday sun climbed higher, emergency crews and police continued their methodical work. Foot traffic streamed off campus as students hugged friends goodbye, many unsure when they’d be allowed to return. Local authorities stressed that the safety of students, faculty, and neighboring communities was their top priority, urging everyone to follow official instructions and remain where they were once evacuated.
By early afternoon, UNO had set up a reunification point outside the evacuation zone where families and students could check in with campus safety officers and receive updates. University leadership promised further communication as soon as any verified information became available. For now, the focus remains on ensuring everyone is accounted for, safe, and away from potential harm.
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