Central Washington University offering counseling, safety advice following false active-shooter call

ELLENSBURG – A day after a false report of an active shooter on campus, Central Washington University is offering counseling to students and staff who may have been affected by the incident.

In a letter posted on the university’s website, Dean of Student Success Gregg Heinselman said the campus’ counseling center was available to students and employees, as well as a crisis hotline.

“If, as a member of the CWU community, you find yourself unable to perform your regular duties or attend class, we urge you to talk to a friend, faculty member or adviser,” Heinselman advised in the post.

Campus police received reports through the regional 911 system that shots were being fired at Lind Hall on the campus at 5:23 p.m. Two minutes later, students and staff were advised to shelter in place and avoid the area.

At 7:30 p.m., following a search by campus police and local agencies from as far away as Cle Elum, the all-clear was issued, and President James L. Gaudino issued a statement saying that it was a false alarm.

Ellensburg police Capt. Dan Hansberry said officers had trained before to deal with an active-shooter response, and during the incident small teams of officers were sent on campus to look for a possible shooter.

“It sounded like a legitimate call,” Hansberry said. “It did not feel like a false alarm.”

Attempts to contact campus officials Thursday were not successful. Calls to university officials have not been returned.