A report of shots fired at the University of California, Berkeley has prompted a partial lockdown of the campus. At approximately 8 a.m., UC Berkeley issued an alert reporting gunfire at the Clark Kerr Campus track. In response, the university urged individuals to avoid the Clark Kerr Campus and the nearby Hillside Campus, which includes the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, UC Botanical Garden, and the Lawrence Hall of Science.
UC police swiftly arrived at the scene, enforcing a lockdown of the Hillside Campus to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors. Despite the alarming report, no injuries have been reported at this time. Authorities are currently investigating the situation, conducting a thorough search of the area to assess any potential threats.
As of, Thursday afternoon, multiple agencies are actively searching for the suspect, described by witnesses as a white male wearing a black shirt, black pants, and a red backpack, with bleached hair possibly featuring red or orange highlights. The fall semester is set to begin on August 28th, and most students have not yet returned to campus.
The university has emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols during this time and is working closely with law enforcement to provide updates as more information becomes available. Students and staff are being asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to campus security.
This incident has heightened concerns about campus safety, prompting a review of emergency response procedures to ensure the well-being of everyone at UC Berkeley.
