“Pretty scary,” said student Ahmar Khan, reflecting on the tense atmosphere at Mount Royal University in Calgary as police responded to a report of a man with a weapon on campus.
At approximately 2:45 p.m., the Calgary Police Service issued a shelter-in-place order, urging students and staff to remain indoors while they investigated the situation. The order was lifted around 5 p.m., after police confirmed there was no ongoing threat to public safety.
The incident began when reports surfaced of an individual carrying what appeared to be a knife. Police later identified the individual as a staff member employed as a chef at the university, who was carrying a chef’s knife to work.
Insp. Darren Smith of the Calgary Police explained, “The lockdown was issued once we were able to confirm through CCTV, working with Mount Royal security, that there was in fact someone that walked on campus with a knife.”
One person was taken into custody during the incident, and authorities indicated that charges may be forthcoming. Insp. Smith emphasized the seriousness of such threats, stating, “We take these threats very seriously. People need to use common sense when they’re carrying a weapon into … a public area.”
Mount Royal University expressed its appreciation for the prompt response from law enforcement, highlighting the importance of safety on campus. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and further details remain unconfirmed.
As the community processes the event, students and staff are left reflecting on the importance of vigilance and safety in educational environments. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for effective communication and quick action in ensuring public safety.
