BATON ROUGE, La. — A heavy law enforcement presence descended on the campus of Louisiana State University on Saturday afternoon after reports of a shooting at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, located at 1 East Campus Drive in Baton Rouge.
University police, supported by local agencies, swiftly moved to secure the area as students, faculty, and nearby residents were urged to shelter in place.
Early Reports and Response
Authorities confirmed they received emergency calls shortly after 3 p.m. indicating possible gunfire inside or near the law school building. LSU Police were the first on scene, quickly joined by the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office and Baton Rouge Police Department.
As of this writing, officials have not confirmed whether anyone was injured or if the suspect is still at large. Police have established a wide perimeter around the Law Center while conducting a floor-to-floor search of the building.
“We are treating this situation with the utmost seriousness,” an LSU Police spokesperson said. “Our priority is ensuring the safety of all students, faculty, and staff on campus.”
Tense Atmosphere on Campus
The reported shooting comes on a day when the LSU Tigers football team is hosting a game at Tiger Stadium, which has drawn tens of thousands of fans to campus. While the stadium is located across campus from the Law Center, the incident has heightened security concerns and prompted visible law enforcement activity in multiple areas.
Fans arriving for the game described seeing increased patrols, road closures, and officers directing traffic away from East Campus Drive. “It’s unsettling,” said one attendee. “We came here for football, and now we’re worried about what’s happening just a short distance away.”
Safety Alerts and Guidance
University officials have issued emergency notifications to students and staff, urging them to avoid the Law Center and surrounding areas until further notice.
“Remain alert, stay indoors, and follow the directions of law enforcement,” the message read. “We will provide updates as soon as information is confirmed.”
The alert system, which pushes notifications via text and email, is part of LSU’s broader safety protocol designed to respond to potential campus threats.
Community on Edge
The incident has left the LSU community shaken, with students sharing their concerns across social media platforms. Some posted that they were barricading in classrooms, while others expressed confusion as rumors quickly spread.
“This is the last thing you expect to happen on a Saturday when the whole campus should be celebrating a football game,” said one law student who was nearby but not inside the building.
Parents of students also voiced concern as they reached out to loved ones to ensure they were safe.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not released any details about a potential suspect or motive. It remains unclear whether shots were actually fired inside the Law Center or in the vicinity.
Officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that they are working to verify all reports before releasing further updates.
“We understand the public’s concern, especially with so many people gathered for the game,” one Baton Rouge Police official said. “We ask for patience as we gather accurate information. The situation is active, and we will provide updates as soon as possible.”
Looking Ahead
As LSU police and local law enforcement continue their coordinated response, the university community is left anxiously awaiting clarity. Whether or not injuries occurred, the presence of armed officers at a major academic building during game day has already sent ripples of fear through Baton Rouge.
Further updates are expected from LSU officials and local law enforcement as the investigation unfolds.
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