Around 10 a.m. on Aug. 27, Mississippi State University released official reports of an “active shooter” on campus.
The suspect, a Madison, Mississippi native and freshman computer engineering major named Phu-Qui “Bill” Nguyen, was detained around 10:30 a.m.
A preliminary alert released via the university’s emergency notification system, Maroon Alert, stated the suspect was first seen near Carpenter Hall on campus, and approximately 15 minutes later, near Lee Hall and the Colvard Student Union.
The Bulldog community was immediately placed in “lock down” mode as students, staff and faculty were instructed to seek safety and remain indoors.
Around 11 a.m., the lock down was lifted and students were released. Shortly after, someone yelled “shots fired,” causing students to panic and run back inside and to their cars.
Rumors and misinformation began circulating across campus suggesting multiple suspects, the hearing of gunshots and individuals being killed. These notions are false. Only one suspect was apprehended, no gun was found and no shots were fired.
Chief Communications Officer Sid Salter confirmed the suspect had been taken into custody and no injuries were reported.
“There has been lots of misinformation circulated,” Salter said. “The suspect is in custody and classes will resume at 2 p.m.”
During an emergency press conference following the incident, University officials confirmed no gun was found. No shots were fired either.
MSU Police Chief Vance Rice said an initial call came from an office in Jackson, Mississippi that cannot be identified.
“It took a few moments for us to find the suspect,” Rice said. “At 10:26 a.m. we found him. He was taken into custody without any incident. No weapons were on him at the time and no shots were fired by him or anyone else.”
MSU President Mark Keenum said the student threatened suicide, and to harm students.
Salter confirmed charges are pending against the suspect and he expects charges to be filed by local law enforcement soon.
Editor’s Note: More updates will follow as we develop accurate information on this story.
