Universal Orlando reopens after police respond to report of a gunman in parking garage

Universal Orlando went under lockdown Saturday night after police received a report of a gunman spotted in a parking garage.

A person traveling on the interstate next to the theme park "alleged seeing a subject with a rifle in the parking garage of Universal Orlando," Orlando Police spokesman Sgt. Eduardo Bernal told USA TODAY.

Police arrived shortly after 8:30 p.m. local time and, along with Universal security staff, temporarily shut down both of Universal's parking garages to guests while they assessed the area. It was later deemed safe and park activity returned to normal.

Officers remained at the park to assist with traffic. The theme park usually closes at 10 p.m., according to Universal's website.

USA TODAY has reached out to Universal Orlando for comment.

Several Universal guests documented the lockdown on social media, sharing photos and videos of large crowds at the park exit waiting for permission to leave.

"Me and my sister are trapped at Universal Studios," @NellyTor01 wrote, noting they did not know "any information" about the situation.

"I literally spent an hour trying to get out of @UniversalORL parking garage," @ashleynataliexx wrote.

The official Universal Orlando Resort account responded that the garages "were closed due to police activity."

"We have now reopened the garages and appreciate the patience of our guests," the account added.

"We free!!!!" @NellyTor01 tweeted just before 10 p.m., alongside a video of park guests exiting Universal.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Universal Orlando reopens after police respond to gunman scare