Laurentian University’s ‘shelter in place’ lifted, classes cancelled

Students at Laurentian University in Sudbury were placed in lockdown Monday after receiving a gun threat that turned out to be unfounded.

Sudbury police say the armed threat that sent Laurentian University into its ‘shelter in place’ protocol Monday morning is not credible, but the school is sending everyone home.

Officers were sent to the campus around 9:45 a.m. after police received a 911 call saying, “that an individual was armed with a gun and was threatening to take people hostage.”

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“The number associated to the phone call was from a United States area code and the phone call was made through Google Voice,” Greater Sudbury Police Service said in a news release.

“Google Voice is a telephone service that provides a U.S. phone number to a Google account or Google workspace customer.”

Campus security said they hadn’t received any calls from anyone in distress.

The school was placed in a ‘hold and secure’ while officers and the security team cleared the buildings and tried to determine if the threat was credible.

No evidence was found to corroborate the threat.

“Based on the investigation, there is no information to suggest that there was a credible threat. There is no risk to public safety,” police said.

As a result, the ‘shelter in place’ order was lifted shortly before 12:30 p.m.

“We understand that this situation may have been disturbing for those on campus. In order to prioritize the mental health of Laurentian students, staff and faculty, all lectures and labs, including those offered online, are cancelled for the day,” Laurentian said in an update.

“All tests and assignments due today are postponed. The campus will remain open for essential activities only.”

An investigation into the origin of the call continues.

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While the immediate threat appears to be over, anyone who sees anything unusual is urged to call 911.

“Faculty and non-essential staff are encouraged to take the rest of the day away from campus. Supervisors will be in contact with essential staff,” the school said.

Student mental health support

• Counselling services can be scheduled at 705-675-1151 ext. 6506 or [e-mail]
• Free, 24/7 confidential mental health supports 1-844-451-9700
• Crisis Intervention Services 705-675-4760
• Good 2 Talk 1-866-925-5454

Staff and faculty can access support through the Employee & Family Assistance Program.

“Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact police at 705-675-9171 or Crime Stoppers at 705-222-8477,” police said.