Ohio State University's vendor sent incorrect alert about an attacker

There is no emergency on Ohio State University's campus despite an accidental alert that was sent on Twitter and to cellphones signed up for emergency notifications.

The incorrect message about an active attacker on or near campus went out Friday at around 2:06 p.m. and told people on campus to "RUN, HIDE, or, as a last resort, FIGHT!"

OSU's police department tweeted this at about 2:13 p.m.:

"Buckeye Alert TEST - We are undergoing system maintenance and our vendor accidentally activated our system. There is NO emergency on any Ohio State campus."

The Ohio State Buckeye Alert system sent out a test message earlier in the day at around 1:36 p.m. That message said:

"This is a test of the Ohio State Buckeye Alert system. This is only a test. There is not an emergency on any Ohio State campus. This is only a test."

Ohio State spokesman Ben Johnson confirmed for The Dispatch on Friday that the system was undergoing maintenance and a message was mistakenly sent.

OSU Police tweeted an apology at around 3:46 p.m.:

"We take our responsibility to enhance safety and keep you informed seriously. Today the Buckeye Alert system malfunctioned while undergoing maintenance. We apologize and are working to ensure the system operates correctly moving forward. Previous errant posts have been deleted."

OSU faculty, staff and students are automatically registered to receive Buckeye Alerts, according to the university's website. Others like parents or visitors to the campus can also opt-in to receive alerts.

The OSU website says, "Buckeye Alerts, often sent via text message, are issued when it is determined that the campus community needs to take immediate action to remain safe."

jlaird@dispatch.com

@LairdWrites

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: No attacker on OSU's campus in Columbus despite incorrectly sent alert