DOMTRAM: Jus Funin'? - 2024 Chattanooga State Community College Hoax

CHATTANOOGA, TN — On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Chattanooga State Community College was thrust into a state of alarm when a reported active shooter threat triggered a campus-wide lockdown just before 10 a.m. The tense situation, which lasted over three hours, was later determined to be a hoax, but not before prompting a massive response from local and federal law enforcement agencies. The incident, while ultimately non-threatening, underscored the heightened state of vigilance in educational institutions and the emotional toll such events exact on students, faculty, and staff.

The crisis began when Chattanooga Police received multiple calls reporting a potential gunman on the college’s main campus at 4501 Amnicola Highway. According to authorities, the caller demanded payment and threatened to harm students if their demands were not met, a tactic that bore similarities to a 2023 hoax call at Brainerd High School. Out of an abundance of caution, the college issued a “TigerAlert” at 9:52 a.m., instructing students, faculty, and staff to “get indoors as soon as possible, shelter in place, and lock your door.” A subsequent alert at 10:04 a.m. reiterated the lockdown order, urging everyone to remain in place until further notice.

Emergency responders, including the Chattanooga Police Department, Chattanooga Fire Department, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, Tennessee Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and other regional agencies, descended on the campus. At least five police vehicles and two firetrucks were stationed outside, while law enforcement conducted a meticulous sweep of all campus buildings. No gunfire was heard, no suspects were encountered, and no victims were found, but the gravity of the threat kept the campus on edge. Two individuals were treated for anxiety, and one officer received treatment for heat-related issues, but no other injuries were reported.

Social media buzzed with speculation, including unverified rumors of hostages, which police quickly debunked. One student, speaking to Local 3 News, described finding safety in her car, while others expressed frustration and fear over the lack of immediate clarity. The college’s alert system, designed to enhance campus safety through texts, emails, and app notifications, proved effective in keeping the community informed, though some students reported issues with receiving timely alerts.

By 12:33 p.m., Chattanooga State announced via a Facebook post that the campus was safe, though the lockdown remained in place until every building was cleared. The “TigerAlert” was officially lifted shortly after 1 p.m., and the college canceled classes for the remainder of the day, closing the campus to allow the community to recover. The Child Development Center remained closed the following day, August 30, while the campus resumed normal operations with counseling services made available to students and employees.“We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the many agencies and individuals who worked hard to protect our students, employees, and the entire campus community,” said Rebecca Ashford, Ed.D., president of Chattanooga State, in a statement. “While we now know that today’s threat was not legitimate, it served as a reminder of the many brave law enforcement and other first responders who stand ready to protect our community.”The Chattanooga Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation to identify the source of the hoax calls, with assistance from federal partners. Authorities have yet to track down the caller, but they noted the incident’s parallels to previous hoax threats in the region, raising concerns about the increasing frequency of such disruptions. The lockdown, while precautionary, highlighted the effectiveness of the college’s crisis procedures, which include regular active shooter training in collaboration with local law enforcement.For students and staff, the incident was a stark reminder of the ever-present specter of campus threats, even when they prove unfounded. Counseling services were offered in the Student Support Center and Belonging Center to address the emotional impact, with faculty and supervisors encouraged to accommodate those affected. As the investigation continues, Chattanooga State remains committed to ensuring a safe environment, urging anyone with safety concerns to contact campus police at 423-595-3651 or 911.

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