Shelter in place order lifted at Hamilton College, investigation continues

CLINTON — A shelter-in-place order issued for Hamilton College Sunday evening following a shooting threat received via social media has been lifted, and a law enforcement investigation behind the threats continues this morning, according to college officials. 

Shortly before 6 p.m. Sunday, the Kirkland Police Department was dispatched to Hamilton College in Clinton for a report of suspicious activities. College officials said they notified law enforcement after receiving a threat through social media. 

"Hamilton received a threat on social media that a person intended to 'shoot up' a building on campus," college officials said in a statement. 

"The campus has been instructed to shelter-in-place."

There was no sighting and no indication of an active shooter on campus at any time, officials stated. 

An emergency alert was shared with students and staff, and was posted on the college's website and on social media warning them to remain inside, lock doors, move away from windows and silence their phones until given the "all clear" by law enforcement or school staff.

"...After a thorough search of campus, an all-clear message was sent at 9:23 p.m. ..." a Tweet from the college notes.

The threat was believed to be targeting the Kirner-Johnson Building, which houses the offices for faculty in the social sciences departments, according to college officials. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York State Police, Kirkland Police  and the Oneida County Sheriff's Office were also dispatched to campus to assist in the search of the building and all other surrounding buildings. 

More details will be reported when available.