Campus News

Update on UK Alert Issued Feb. 15

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 15, 2023) — University of Kentucky Police Chief Joe Monroe issued the following statement following a UK Alert activated in the early hours of Feb. 15. An all clear was issued thereafter and there is no active threat to campus safety. 

"Early this morning, UK Police responded immediately to reports of shots fired in the area of University Drive and Cooper Drive. Police determined shortly after that a gun was discharged from inside a vehicle and it was not an active shooter situation. While UK Police continue to investigate, once determining there were no victims and no active threat to campus safety, the all clear was issued. 

The safety and well-being of our students, employees and entire campus community is our top priority and the university has made significant investments to keep campus safe. From lighting, security systems including access control and lockdown capabilities, emergency notification technology and active aggressor trainings, over the past decade we’ve invested over $15 million in these initiatives. Safety is a shared responsibility but an incident like this reinforces why these efforts are so important – this morning, our emergency notification system was activated immediately and police responded in less than two minutes. We will continue to work to make our campus safe and prepared for any emergency." – UK Police Chief Joe Monroe

Timeline:

1:28 a.m. UK Alert issued: "Shots fired in the area of University and Cooper Drive near Parking Structure 1. Avoid the area. More information at www.uky.edu/alerts." 

2:14 a.m. Update: "While UK Police are still investigating reports received of shots fired near Parking Structure 1, this is not an active shooter situation. There are no victims reported. We will share more information as it becomes available."

2:21 a.m. UK Alert issued: "URGENT: The emergency condition has passed. You may safely resume your regularly scheduled activity. Info at http:/uky.edu/alerts."

Emergency response information

The university provides emergency notifications through UK Alert, which broadcasts to email, text message, building alarm systems and outdoor sirens. Visit UK Alert for more information on the system. UK encourages all students, faculty and staff to review and update your UK Alert account. Log in to myUK and click the UK Alert tab to access your account.  

You can also find the most up-to-date information during emergencies in the following places: 

More emergency preparedness and response guidance from UK Police’s Crisis Management and Preparedness Division is available at www.uky.edu/cmp