The following message was sent to the university community Tuesday, May 2, from Alexander D. Casas, chief of the Florida International University Police Department:
Today at approximately 9 a.m., FIUPD received a radio transmission from the Miami-Dade Police Department Communications Bureau regarding a reported shooting incident at AHC3 (which houses the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences) on the Modesto Maidique Campus.
Units from FIUPD, the Miami-Dade Police Department, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, and Sweetwater Police Department immediately responded to AHC3. Officers directed occupants to evacuate the building and searched for evidence of a shooter.
Thankfully, no victims and no shooter were found. The building was cleared, and normal activities resumed about an hour later.
At this time, it appears the call was a “swatting” incident. Swatting calls are false reports of critical incidents in order to elicit a response from police and fire rescue tactical units. Swatting is illegal.
An investigation is underway to determine the origin of the call and subsequent response.
I’m grateful that everyone is safe and that we were able to move forward with commencement ceremonies and other activities as planned. Today’s incident gave police and the university community an opportunity to practice our training. The response from all law enforcement agencies was timely and appropriate, and I am proud of the FIU community response.
As always, our university is here to help anyone who feels affected by this incident or is in need of any kind of support. FIU Student Health & Wellness offers several avenues of support, including our Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Their number is 305-348-2277. Faculty and staff resources are available through FIU’s Office of Employee Assistance (OEA) at 305-348-2469 or via email at oea@fiu.edu.
As is the case with every incident, there will be a debrief of the response so that we are even more ready should tragedy strike our community in the future.
Thank you for your cooperation. I wish you a safe day.