IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa briefly urged students to shelter in place Friday afternoon after reports of gunfire several blocks east of campus.
A Hawk Alert sent at 1:51 p.m. said shots were reported near Burlington and Governor streets and that a suspect fled westbound on foot. The area includes several student housing complexes just off campus.
University police later clarified that the incident originated off campus and said the alert was issued at the request of the Iowa City Police Department out of an abundance of caution.
By mid-afternoon, Iowa City police said they believe the shooting was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public, though they urged residents to remain vigilant.
The alert briefly disrupted activity downtown, forcing members of FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff broadcast team — on campus for Saturday’s Iowa–Oregon game — to evacuate the Pentacrest and take shelter in a nearby building.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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This is a developing story and will be updated once more information is released.
