By Ryn Williams, Layout Editor
On the midnight of March 2, many students were startled by an email explaining unfounded threats of gunshots at Saint Leo University’s campus.
An anonymous Saint Leo student said, “This situation is rather scary and I don’t think I feel safe enough to come out of my room.”
Dr. Jen Shaw, vice president of student affairs, was quick to quell rumors on the Facebook page for Saint Leo’s class of 2026.
“[I am] confirming no gunshots. We would immediately send out calls, texts, and emails to all students through our emergency system,” said Shaw. “Deputies and [University] Safety thoroughly searched campus and found no evidence or witnesses.”
Shaw insinuated that the only shred of evidence that the deputies found was “anonymous Yik Yak posts.”
Yik Yak is an anonymous posting site that allows users to connect with other users within a small geographical range, about five miles. All users need to do to create an account is to verify valid U.S. phone number.
One exchange posted at 2 a.m. reads, “Guys email ur professorssaying ‘the tramatic event last night has me scared I dont feel safe going to class’ BOOM NO CLASS. [sic]”
Another says, “I like many other students are truly in shock and experiencing trauma. We must recover. Cancel classes please.”
Even another student writes, “I feel unsafe walking on campus now. Cancel classes until further notice.”
All of the rumors seemed to start at one source. One user posts, around 11 p.m., “[I am] in alumni and I for sure heard gunshots…”
University Safety found no evidence of gunshots or a threat made against the school. One possible culprit is the Dade City Gun Club, located just under four miles from Saint Leo’s campus. However, at the time of the alleged shooting, the Gun Club was closed.
In the threat of a shooting, it’s important to find a safe place to hide and stay calm. Do not try to accost the shooter yourself.
Additionally, try to get ahold of emergency services and University Safety and explain where you are and what the threat is.
University Safety’s emergency number can be reached at 352-588-8333. If using a university telephone, such as one in an office or a classroom hallway, use extension 8333.
