Police: Public can ‘resume normal activity’ after shots fired near University of Iowa campus

IOWA CITY — Less than an hour after reporting gunshots fired near the University of Iowa campus Friday afternoon and urging the public to “shelter in place,” the Iowa City Police Department characterized the incident as “isolated” and said the public can “resume normal activity.”

“No ongoing threat to the public,” according to a UI Hawk Alert update at 2:34 p.m. Friday. “Remain vigilant.”

The initial Hawk Alert went out at 1:51 p.m. reporting Iowa City police were responding to gunshots fired near the UI campus, in the area of Burlington and Governor streets, with a suspect initially fleeing east.

“Avoid the area and shelter in place,” according to the Hawk Alert.

At 1:53, UI police updated the alert to report the suspect now was headed west on foot and police were on scene.

“This incident originated off campus,” according to a 2:15 p.m. update. “We have no information at this time indicating any additional shots have been fired. Please remain vigilant, shelter in place, and report any suspicious activity by calling 911.”

A short time later, at 2:34 p.m., the University of Iowa reported Iowa City police believe “this is an isolated incident” and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

“Remain vigilant,” according to the alert but “resume normal activity.”

A press release issued by the Iowa City Police Department after the final Hawk Alert states that responding officers recovered evidence of gunfire. It does not state whether any arrests have been made.

“This incident remains under investigation and there is no further information available at this time,” the release states.

Vanessa Miller covers higher education for The Gazette.

Comments: (319) 339-3158; vanessa.miller@thegazette.com