Reports of a male student carrying a firearm prompted a campus security alert at Princeton University overnight, which ended after an investigation determined that the gun was “non-functional” and the student posed no threat to public safety.

University spokesperson Cass Cliatt said in an email Saturday that campus public safety officers and Princeton Borough police “were immediately on the scene interviewing witnesses and searching the area –within minutes.”

The first alert to the campus community went out at 12:42 a.m. via e-mail, text messages and voice mail.

“This is an actual emergency and not a test,” the alert said. Public Safety has recommended that all students remain inside until further notice. Do not go outside to travel to another building. Close and lock the doors and windows. Check e-mail and/or the University’s home page at www.princeton.edu for further information and updates.”

Read complete article at the Princeton Packet here.

AW and SJP