SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, October 22, 2026 â The University of Utah lifted an emergency campus hold late Wednesday after police detained an individual reportedly carrying what appeared to be a firearm near Lassonde Studios, a student residential and innovation complex. Authorities later identified the object as an Airsoft rifle, and no injuries were reported.
Latest Update: University of Utah Lifts Campus Hold After Airsoft Rifle Incident
October 22, 2026 â The University of Utah has confirmed that an emergency HOLD near Lassonde Studios was lifted at approximately 11:20 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, after police detained an individual who had reportedly been brandishing what appeared to be a firearm.
According to an emergency alert update shared by journalist Heidi Hatch, officers from University Police and Salt Lake City Police responded to the scene, located the individual and determined that the object was an Airsoft rifle.
No injuries were reported. Authorities confirmed that the area surrounding Lassonde Studios was safe and that normal campus activities could resume.
Police officers remained in the area following the all-clear as the investigation continued. Authorities said additional updates would be provided if necessary.
The university had initially instructed people in and around Lassonde Studios to remain in their rooms or current locations, avoid entering or leaving buildings, clear hallways and follow police instructions while officers investigated an unverified threat.
University Police contact: Anyone with information about suspicious activity can call 801-585-2677.
Current confirmed status: Campus HOLD lifted; individual detained; Airsoft rifle identified; no injuries reported. The investigation remained ongoing at the time of the alert.
The incident prompted a heavy response from University Police and Salt Lake City Police. Students and others nearby were instructed to remain in place while officers investigated an initially unverified threat.
The emergency lasted approximately 37 minutes, from the first reported alert at 10:43 p.m. until an all-clear at about 11:20 p.m. Police remained in the area afterward to continue investigating.
University of Utah Issues Emergency Hold at Lassonde Studios
The university’s initial alert identified the affected location as Building 46, Lassonde Studios, at 1701 E. Student Life Way, and surrounding buildings.
The notification warned of an unverified threat, a substantial police presence and possible disruptions to campus activities.
Students, staff and visitors were instructed to remain in their current rooms or locations, avoid entering or exiting buildings, clear hallways and follow law enforcement directions until an official all-clear was issued.
The warning came late at night near student housing, where residents could have been studying, socializing or preparing to sleep.
Police Detain Individual With Airsoft Rifle
University Police and Salt Lake City Police responded and located an individual described in the subsequent emergency notification as brandishing what appeared to be a firearm.
The person was detained, and officers determined that the object was an Airsoft rifle.
Airsoft rifles typically fire small plastic pellets, but some closely resemble conventional firearms. Their appearance can make it difficult for witnesses and responding officers to distinguish them from weapons capable of firing live ammunition.
Authorities did not immediately disclose the individual’s identity, age, university affiliation or the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It also remained unclear whether the person would face criminal charges or had directly threatened anyone.
Campus Hold Lifted at 11:20 p.m., No Injuries Reported
At approximately 11:20 p.m. Wednesday, the university issued an all-clear, confirming that the area around Lassonde Studios was safe and normal activities could resume.
No injuries were reported, and the available emergency notifications did not establish that any shots had been fired.
Although some online accounts described the incident as a lockdown or shooting scare, the university specifically issued a HOLD instruction. Such an alert restricts movement while authorities investigate a potential threat; it does not necessarily indicate an active shooter.
Similar precautions have been used during unrelated campus emergencies, including a shooting investigation near Towson University that prompted shelter-in-place instructions.
University of Utah Campus Alert Timeline
10:43 p.m., October 21: The university reportedly issues a HOLD alert for Lassonde Studios and surrounding buildings.
During the emergency: University Police and Salt Lake City Police respond and detain an individual carrying an apparent firearm.
11:20 p.m., October 21: The university issues an all-clear after the object is identified as an Airsoft rifle.
After the all-clear: Normal campus activities resume while officers continue investigating.
All times are local Mountain Time.
Lassonde Studios Is a Student Housing and Innovation Hub
Lassonde Studios is a five-story residential and innovation facility at the University of Utah. Opened in August 2016, it combines student accommodation with collaborative workspaces and entrepreneurship programs.
The building accommodates approximately 400 students and includes the Neeleman Hangar, a 20,000-square-foot creative space supporting student projects and events.
It also houses the Miller Cafe and provides opportunities for student business development, mentoring and collaboration.
Because the facility combines residential and shared spaces, the emergency restrictions affected an important part of student life on campus.
University of Utah Emergency Alert System and Student Safety
The university operates an emergency notification system that can distribute urgent warnings through text messages, email, telephone calls and university communication platforms.
These alerts provide safety instructions, emergency updates and confirmation when restrictions have ended.
Students and families can monitor the university’s official Campus Alert website for verified information.
Other institutions have also issued emergency notifications during unrelated incidents, including an Old Dominion University campus emergency that disrupted university activities.
Police Investigation Continues After Campus Hold
Although the immediate emergency ended Wednesday night, investigators had not publicly explained why the individual was carrying the Airsoft rifle or whether it was deliberately displayed to frighten others.
The person’s identity, possible charges and connection to the university remained unconfirmed in the initial updates. Authorities had not announced a motive or established that the incident involved a hoax.
University Police asked anyone with information about suspicious activity to contact the department at 801-585-2677.
As of the initial October 22 reports, the campus hold had been lifted, no injuries were reported and police were continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Airsoft rifle incident.
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