A robotics competition at the Al Lawson Center on Florida A&M’s campus momentarily raised alarm and panic at FAMU and Florida State Thursday afternoon.
Police received calls reporting sounds of gunfire and even an openly carried weapon. The University sent out a shelter-in-place alert, resulting in what a TPD spokesman called a “large police presence.”
After a search, law enforcement determined there was no present danger and that the calls had stemmed from noises and sights connected with the robotics competition.
In a press release, the FAMU police department says "Out of an abundance of caution, you may notice an increased law enforcement presence on campus today as standard safety protocols are followed."
The concerns at FAMU also triggered heightened worries on FSU’s campus, with some lockdown buttons activated in response to the FAMU alert.
A press release from FSU says "We understand this situation may be upsetting. Information and resources for students, faculty and staff are available at response.fsu.edu."
There were no threats at either school. Still, the nervousness came on the eve of last year’s shooting on FSU’s campus.
