DETROIT — On Tuesday afternoon, the University of Detroit Mercy announced an emergency evacuation of two campus buildings after police identified a suspicious package on the North Quad. The university immediately canceled all classes for the rest of the day and instructed students to remain in their residence halls, except for those already displaced from the North Quad and Holden facilities.
University response and safety measures
The university’s alert, sent out via text and email, warned that the situation was being handled by local law‑enforcement and campus security. “Our top priority is the safety of our students, faculty, and staff,” the alert read. Campus officials worked with the Detroit Police Department to secure the area, conduct a thorough sweep, and determine the nature of the package.
Police confirmed that the package was indeed suspicious, though they did not disclose its contents or whether it posed an explosive threat. The department’s spokesperson emphasized that the evacuation was a precautionary measure and that no injuries had been reported.
Impact on students and faculty
Students in the affected buildings were escorted to safe zones while the police and university safety teams conducted their investigation. Faculty members were asked to shift to online instruction for the remainder of the day, and the university’s registrar posted updates on the official website and social‑media channels.
Parents and guardians received the same alert, with the university urging them to stay in contact with their children and to follow any additional instructions that may be issued later in the evening. The university’s counseling center also made its services available for anyone experiencing anxiety or stress related to the incident.
Community reaction
Local residents expressed concern but praised the swift coordination between the university and Detroit police. “It’s reassuring to see the university and law‑enforcement act quickly to keep everyone safe,” said a nearby homeowner who lives within walking distance of the campus.
Detroit’s mayor’s office, while not directly involved, released a statement supporting the university’s actions and reminding the public that the city’s emergency response protocols are in place to handle such incidents.
Next steps
University officials said they will provide a follow‑up briefing once the investigation is complete. In the meantime, they asked students to avoid the evacuated buildings and to monitor official channels for further updates.
FOX 2 will continue to monitor the story and report any new information as it becomes available.
Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.
