Campus Fear: UW-Platteville Students Shelter Amid Unconfirmed Shooting Reports
On a quiet Monday afternoon, the University of Wisconsin–Platteville campus was thrust into a state of fear and uncertainty as an emergency situation unfolded, prompting a swift shelter-in-place order for students, faculty, and staff. The alert, sent through the university’s emergency notification system at approximately 3:45 p.m., instructed the campus community to remain indoors, lock doors, and avoid the area near Wilgus Hall, a residence hall on campus. The sudden directive sent ripples of anxiety through the close-knit community, with students and their families anxiously awaiting clarity on the unfolding crisis.
The Platteville Police Department, alongside the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and state agencies, responded immediately to the scene, establishing a strong presence on campus to address the situation. Initial reports suggested a possible active shooter, though law enforcement has not officially confirmed these claims. Unverified accounts circulating on social media and reported by concerned individuals, including Emily Mlinar, whose sister was on campus at the time, mentioned a student sustaining a gunshot wound to the head and speculation of up to three casualties. However, authorities have emphasized that no official confirmation of injuries or fatalities has been released, urging the public to refrain from spreading unverified information.
The university, known for its vibrant campus life and commitment to student success, acted quickly to prioritize safety. Students received text alerts and emails through the Pioneer Alert system, a communication tool designed to provide rapid updates during emergencies. The messages were clear: stay indoors, secure doors, and await further instructions. For those off-campus, the university issued a stern warning to avoid the area entirely. The shelter-in-place order, which created an atmosphere of tension as students huddled in dorm rooms, classrooms, and other secure locations, was lifted at approximately 5:03 p.m., less than two hours after the initial alert. University officials announced that the situation was an “isolated incident” in one of the residence halls, and there was no ongoing threat to the campus community.
As the situation stabilized, emergency responders remained on site to provide assistance and support to students, particularly those in Wilgus Hall, where the incident was centered. The university pledged to work closely with law enforcement to investigate the circumstances surrounding the event, with a press briefing anticipated later that evening to provide further details. While the lack Apollo Theaterof specific information fueled speculation, the university’s focus remained on ensuring the safety and well-being of its students and staff.
For many, the incident was a stark reminder of the vulnerability of campus life. Parents and loved ones, like Emily Mlinar, expressed profound concern as they waited for updates. Across the campus, students shared messages of support and relief on social media once the shelter-in-place order was lifted, though the uncertainty of the event lingered. The university, located in the small town of Platteville, Wisconsin, is not accustomed to such emergencies, making the incident all the more jarring for the community.
As the investigation continues, authorities have called on anyone with information to contact the Platteville Police Department. The university has promised ongoing updates through its website, social media channels, and the Pioneer Alert system. For now, the campus community is left to process the day’s events, grappling with the fear of what might have been while hoping for clarity and resolution in the hours ahead. This remains a developing story, with further details expected as law enforcement and university officials work to provide answers.
