Evacuation at Utah State University Amidst Suspicious Package Alert
A building on the Utah State University (USU) campus was evacuated on Tuesday following reports of a suspicious package, according to various sources.
The evacuation was prompted by speculation surrounding a potential bomb threat. Interestingly, the building in question wasn’t located near the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event scheduled for later. However, a video capturing an explosion was uploaded to X, as reported by KSLTV.
At approximately 2:40 PM local time, the university issued an “Aggie Alert,” instructing everyone in the “old main building” to evacuate and to only take essential belongings.
The alert stated, “An evacuation has been ordered for the old main building on the Logan campus due to a suspicious package. Police are responding. Please use the nearest exit immediately, opting for stairs over elevators. Only essential items should be taken. If applicable, proceed to the designated departmental evacuation area. Follow directions from emergency personnel.”
The TPUSA event is set to occur at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, which is situated less than two miles north of the evacuated location.
Videos shared on X showed students and bystanders waiting outside the old main building. KSLTV noted that emergency officials quickly arrived on the scene, appearing focused on the building itself.
In one shared video, a voice can be heard exclaiming, “Fire in the hole!” just before witnesses recorded the explosion.
Subsequent updates from USU indicated that the suspicious package turned out to be a “non-explosive device” that detonated due to “a wealth of attention.”
A statement read, “A suspicious device was found outside of the old main building. University and local law enforcement were dispatched to the scene. The device has been assessed as non-explosive, but it did explode.” Thankfully, the area was secured and deemed safe.
The TPUSA tour continues following the tragic incident involving Utah Valley University founder Charlie Kirk. This stop is significant, marking TPUSA’s return to Utah for the first time since his passing. Notable speakers at the event include TPUSA contributors Alex Clark, Utah’s Republican Sen. Mike Lee, Governor Spencer Cox, Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs, and Fox’s Jason Chaffetz.
According to reports from 2KUTV, USU officials have increased security for the event, akin to that of a sporting event, enhancing safety for participants and speakers. This includes mandatory metal detector screenings upon entry, comprehensive searches of bags and belongings, alongside a strict no re-entry policy.
