Heightened Tension at University of Virginia Following Knife Incident

Authorities apprehended an individual described as an “active attacker” near the University of Virginia (UVA) campus on Thursday, prompting significant concern among students and faculty.

The emergency alert issued by UVA’s Department of Safety and Security around 4:50 p.m. informed the university community of the potential threat, specifically detailing that an attacker armed with a knife was near Emmet Street.

In response to this alarming situation, police urged students to shelter in place and follow the principle of “RUN HIDE FIGHT” to ensure their safety.

Detailed Description of the Suspect

By approximately 5:30 p.m., authorities provided an updated description of the suspect. They identified him as a middle-aged white man donning a white shirt, blue pants, and white shoes, which helped the community understand the situation more clearly.

Swift Response from Authorities

As the situation unfolded, police continued to monitor developments. By 5:50 p.m., they declared the incident was “stable” and confirmed that a suspect had been detained, alleviating some immediate fears.

Shortly thereafter, officials lifted the shelter-in-place order, though police maintained a presence on the scene to ensure continued safety and security.

Recurring Safety Concerns on Campus

This incident marks the second time within a week that the UVA campus was placed under a shelter-in-place order. Just two days earlier, classes were canceled and the campus was secured following another disturbance.

The repeated nature of these events has raised alarm among students, parents, and staff about overall campus safety.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Updates

The community’s response reflects growing anxiety regarding security on campus. Many students expressed their concerns through various social media channels, highlighting a sense of unease and the need for reassurance from university officials.

In light of these developments, Fox News Digital has reached out to UVA for a comprehensive update regarding the ongoing safety protocols and measures being implemented in the wake of these incidents.

As investigations continue, it remains imperative for students and community members to stay informed and vigilant. The potential for such threats underscores the importance of effective crisis communication from university authorities.

This is a breaking news story, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.