Anyone trying to find out information can call (540) 365-4232, 4202, 4206, or 4239. Due to the high volume of calls, your call may not be answered immediately. We're also told that Ferrum Elementary School is on lockdown, as well.
As of 11:45, the college remains on lockdown. You can call (540) 365-5555 for more information.
According to Sheriff Ewell Hunt, they received a call from the Ferrum College Police Department saying someone suspicious was seen at Bassett Hall.
Hunt says a housekeeper saw a white man, wearing green clothing and dark pants, was seen with a hand gun. Sheriff Hunt says the man told the housekeeper not to say anything.
According to the sheriff, no threats were made towards anyone and no incidents happened. Hospitals are on standby as a precaution.
The campus remains on lockdown. Hunt says each building on campus will be swept. Sheriff Hunt says a couple of people who matched the description were detained. However, they were later released.
Classes at Ferrum College have been cancelled for today. (Click here for Ferrum College's website)
State police say they are interviewing people, doing building searches, and assisting the sheriff's department.
Dr. Jennifer L. Braaten, President of Ferrum College, says when they heard of the incident, they started their emergency procedures.
The college says they wanted to err on the side of caution.
A second news conference is schedule for 1:30 p.m.
Stay with News7 and WDBJ7.com for the latest.
Here are the two messages that were sent out to students:
MESSAGE 1
Fr: e2campus
SUBJ:
MSG: POSSIBLE SHOOTING ON CAMPUS. STAY INDOORS. MORE DETAILS TO COME.
7:54a.m.
MESSAGE 2
Fr: e2campus
SUBJ:
MSG: FERRUM COLLEGE CAMPUS ON LOCKDOWN. STAY INDOORS.
8:14a.m.
HERE IS A STATEMENT FROM THE COLLEGE'S WEBSITE:
LATEST EMERGENCY INFORMATION:
Classes for Tuesday, February 26, 2008 have been cancelled.
In the best interest of the Ferrum College students, faculty and staff, we have put the college into a lockdown as a result of a possible situation on campus. There have been no incidents or injuries. Authorities have been notified and are on campus and in control.
Continue to stay indoors. Authorities are following protocol. Everyone is safe.
As of 10:30 AM, campus is still on lockdown. Continue to stay indoors.
More than 900 of the private school's 1,200 students live on campus.
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