Monmouth University gives all-clear on ‘armed subject;’ shelter order lifted

UPDATE:Monmouth University 'armed subject' was only carrying a curling iron, officials say

WEST LONG BRANCH - Monmouth University issued an “all-clear” early Thursday morning after an order to “shelter in place and await further instructions” was lifted several hours after a report that a possible armed subject was on campus.

“Please be advised that the Monmouth University campus has been deemed safe,” the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement just before 3 a.m. on Thursday. “Based upon the diligent efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, the initial information regarding an armed subject on campus and shots having been fired was unfounded.”

In a statement on its website, Monmouth University said: “All clear — the shelter in place on campus has been lifted, the campus is safe, an elevated police presence remains. Additional information will be sent via email.”

Earlier, in an update issued at 1:08 a.m. Thursday, Monmouth University reported in all-capital letters on its website that there was “NO EVIDENCE OF SHOTS FIRED,” but that an active investigation by police remained underway.

“Due to possible armed subject at Monmouth University you are advised to shelter in place and await further instructions,” the earlier alert stated.

Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said in the early morning statement Thursday that he wanted to thank law enforcement personnel throughout Monmouth County who immediately responded and investigated the information that was reported.

Santiago also thanked the response by the Monmouth University Police and the university administration “who, at all times, had the interests of the students and local community in mind.”

“Lastly, thank you to the Monmouth University students who cooperated with the shelter in place order and allowed police to do their job to ensure their safety,” the Prosecutor’s Office concluded in its statement.

An investigation had begun about 9:15 p.m. Wednesday following “a report of a possible armed subject on the main campus (that) was reported to Monmouth University Police.”

The campus went into lockdown and a shelter-in-place order was issued, according to the university.

Monmouth University Police, assisted by various local and county law enforcement agencies, then searched and ultimately secured the campus.

Contact Asbury Park Press reporter Erik Larsen at elarsen@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Monmouth University lifts shelter order; all-clear on ‘armed subject’