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Ohio State University secure after reports of active shooter

Multiple casualties have already been reported.

CREDIT: Twitter/Brooks Jarosz, WSYX6
CREDIT: Twitter/Brooks Jarosz, WSYX6

An active shooter has been reported on the campus of Ohio State University. Details are still emerging from the active situation, but here’s what is known so far.

At 9:56 AM, the campus’ emergency management team sent a campus-wide alert that there was an “active shooter on campus,” identifying the location as Watts Hall. Watts houses the Materials Science and Engineering department and contains several classrooms.

Reports suggest that a red SUV apparently crashed into the building and two individuals got out, one carrying a gun, one carrying a knife of some kind.

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So far, reports have confirmed that at least eight individuals have been transported to the hospital with gunshot wounds. One person has reportedly died of injuries.

The nature of the situation remains unclear. A faculty member who spoke to NBC 4 Columbus shared that a colleague who was present in the building was apparently slashed in the leg with a machete.

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According to The Lantern, Ohio State University’s student newspaper, it is possible that there is more than one assailant:

Police confirmed to WBNS news that one suspect has been killed. Reports are still coming in about the situation. This post will be updated when more information is available.

UPDATE: Police activity continues because it seems the second suspect has not yet been apprehended. In the meantime, Ohio State has lifted the “Shelter in Place” advisement, describing the situation as secure. All classes have been canceled.

UPDATE: At a press conference Monday afternoon, officials confirmed that they believe there was only one suspect, who was the only fatality after being shot by police. The suspect allegedly hit pedestrians with a vehicle, then exited his vehicle and began attacking people with what has been described as a butcher knife. A total of nine injuries have been reported, none life-threatening.

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Details about his identity have not been released. There were rumors of a second suspect, but police conducted an extensive search and seem to have ruled out that likelihood.

So far, there is no evidence that the suspect had or used a gun. Thus, the only gun fired was likely the police officer shooting the suspect.