Mahwah, N.J. – On Thursday evening, around 6 p.m., Mahwah Police Department received a tip that someone on the Ramapo College campus was carrying a semi‑automatic rifle. Acting on the report, officers promptly secured the campus and placed it under lockdown as a precautionary measure.
Lockdown measures and campus response
Students and faculty were instructed to remain inside their classrooms and offices while police swept multiple buildings for any sign of danger. The college’s emergency notification system alerted the campus community, and campus security worked closely with law‑enforcement to coordinate the response.
Several students who had just returned to campus after a two‑week break described the situation as “nerve‑wracking” and praised the swift action taken to protect them. “It was scary at first, but I felt safer knowing the police were on top of it,” one sophomore said.
Investigation concludes with no threat
After a thorough search, officers determined the report was unfounded. No semi‑automatic rifle or any other weapon was found, and there was no active threat at any time. At approximately 8 p.m., the lockdown was lifted and normal campus operations resumed.
Mahwah Police Chief John Miller issued a statement emphasizing the importance of erring on the side of caution in potential threat situations. “Our priority is the safety of students, faculty, and staff. When a report comes in, we act decisively to investigate and protect the community,” Miller said.
Community reassurance and next steps
College President Dr. David Miller thanked the police for their professionalism and urged students to stay vigilant. “We appreciate the rapid response that ensured our campus remained safe. We will continue to work with local law‑enforcement to maintain a secure learning environment,” he added.
The incident underscores the ongoing need for robust campus safety protocols and close cooperation between educational institutions and local authorities. While the false alarm caused temporary disruption, the coordinated effort demonstrated the community’s commitment to protecting families and preserving a peaceful learning atmosphere.
Mahwah officials encourage anyone with credible safety concerns to contact the police immediately, reinforcing the principle that an abundance of caution is preferable to risk.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
