Tension gripped the Emporia community Thursday afternoon after Emporia State University (ESU) issued an emergency alert regarding an active shooter at Newman Regional Health, prompting a swift lockdown and widespread safety warnings.
Newman Regional Health Shooting
The initial alert, sent at 4:40 p.m. on August 28 via ESU’s emergency notification system and official Twitter/X account, urged immediate caution. “ESU Alert: An active shooter has been reported at Newman Regional Health. If you are near the area: Run. Hide. Fight. If you are off campus, remain away,” the message read.
The incident was reported near Cora Miller Hall and Newman Regional Health, both in close proximity to the ESU campus. Within minutes, the university expanded on the warning through its website, providing step-by-step guidance on the nationally recognized “Run, Hide, Fight” protocol:
RUN: Evacuate quickly if possible, assist others only if safe, and call 911 once secure.
HIDE: Shelter in place out of view, lock and barricade doors, silence phones, and remain quiet.
FIGHT: As a last resort, act aggressively, use improvised weapons, and defend yourself if directly threatened.
The advisory also reminded individuals to remain calm and keep hands visible when law enforcement arrives, emphasizing cooperation with officers’ instructions.
Police and emergency responders were dispatched immediately. As of Thursday evening, no details regarding a suspect, injuries, or possible victims had been confirmed. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and updates will be provided through official ESU channels, including the RAVE alert system.
The scare underscores the seriousness of active shooter threats and the importance of swift communication between campus officials, law enforcement, and the community.
