Dear AU community,  

At approximately 5:45 p.m. today, students approached an AU police officer on patrol and reported that while on an AU shuttle bus at Nebraska Avenue and Ward Circle, an individual brandished a weapon in their direction.  AUPD confirmed the report and initially observed a subject off campus matching the description given by the reporting students. The subject began walking back toward campus and AUPD then initiated a lockdown —instructing the AU community to shelter in place—and contacted the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) while continuing to track the subject.

After MPD apprehended the individual, he was arrested and taken into custody. At that point, AUPD notified the community with an all clear and lifted the lockdown.

Thank you to the entire AU community for your vigilance and commitment to the safety of our campus.  

Please program the University Police Department number into your cell phone for emergencies: (202) 885-3636. Call 911 if you are off campus. You may also download the RAVE Guardian Safety App using your AU username and password.

Campus support resources are also available, including the Center for Well-Being and Psychological Services and the student AU Protocol 24-hour support line (202-885-7979).  The BHS service is available for faculty and staff and their families.

Sincerely,

Bronté Burleigh-Jones 
CFO, Vice President and Treasurer