We want to update you on the events that unfolded earlier today on our University Park Campus. Based on an unconfirmed report of an active shooter in Fertitta Hall, our Department of Public Safety issued a “police activity/shelter in place” alert shortly after noon. A search of the building quickly verified that the report was false. The university had counselors report to the area immediately to support those who experienced the unsettling event.
The Los Angeles Police Department and the university are looking into the incident, which the LAPD is stating appears to have originated erroneously from a faculty member in a classroom.
We appreciate the rapid response of our Department of Public Safety and the LAPD. We also want to praise our students, staff, and faculty who cooperated fully with the instructions provided.
In the aftermath of the tragic events in Las Vegas on Sunday, we understand this a time of stress and anxiety. We want to remind you of the counseling resources we have available. For students in the USC community who are in need of assistance, please contact Student Counseling Services at (213) 740-7711 or the Eric Cohen Student Health Center at (323) 442-5631. For faculty and staff assistance, please contact the Center for Work & Family Life at (213) 821-0800.
As members of the Trojan Family, we also should be mindful of the needs of others. If you observe a fellow student, faculty, or staff member who may be in need of support, you can reach out confidentially through Trojans Care for Trojans, an initiative within the Office of Campus Wellness and Crisis Intervention: https://studentaffairs.usc.edu/trojans-care-for-trojans-tc4t/
We also urge you to learn more about how to best respond to emergencies on our USC Safety website at safety.usc.edu. Meanwhile, today’s events provided important lessons to help all of us at the university improve our response.