UPDATE: A spokesperson for Newman Regional Health said on Aug. 29 a third-party vendor installing hand-sanitizer dispensers made contact with wiring behind the wall, setting off an alarm signal.
EMPORIA (KSNT) – Police have found no signs of active threats following Emporia State University (ESU) issuing an active shooter alert for Newman Regional Health on Thursday.
ESU issued an alert on Aug. 28 for an active shooter at Newman Regional Health. Police responded to the situation, finding no active threats in the area.
Steven Bazan, a spokesman for the Newman Regional Health, told 27 News in a statement that an active shooter alarm was triggered at 4:15 p.m. on Aug. 28. Staff initiated emergency response protocols in response to the situation.
Law enforcement conducted a thorough search of the hospital and medical facilities for two hours, and they found no evidence of a shooter or any threat. Further investigation revealed the alarm was triggered by a malfunctioning emergency switch.
Bazan said in a press release on Aug. 29, “Following a thorough review, it has been determined that a third-party vendor performing routine installation of hand-sanitizer dispensers near an alarm switch made contact with wiring behind the wall, generating the lock down alarm signal.”
Throughout the events, patients remained safe and under care. Staff carried out emergency training protocols effectively, and law enforcement partners ensured safety across multiple buildings and floors.
“We are deeply grateful and proud of the swift and professional response of our staff and law enforcement partners,” Cathy Pimple, CEO of Newman Regional Health, said. “Our top priority is the safety of our patients, staff, and community. While this incident was the result of a technical issue, our team responded exactly as trained, and we are using this as an opportunity to strengthen our systems and partnerships even further.”
Newman Regional Health has initiated a post-event review starting with internal teams. Further evaluation will be ongoing with law enforcement and external partners through the weeks.
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Past reporting
“We are currently still operating under our drill response,” Bazan said in his statement. “At this time, there has been no communication or indication of any activity consistent with active shooter event other than the law enforcement response. The alarm switch that was pulled activated the protocol, and the Emporia Police Department remains on site, actively sweeping and scanning the building. Officers are escorting departments and individuals out of the facility in an orderly and controlled manner.”
Bazan said phone lines are still unavailable as of 5:40 p.m. on Aug. 28 and a designated phone line will be provided for family inquiries. He said an additional statement will be issued in the near future.
ESU issued the following statement via Twitter/X at 4:40 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28. The alert concerned the area near Cora Miller Hall at 1127 Chestnut Street and Newman Regional Health at 1201 Southwest 12th Avenue.
“ESU Alert: An active shooter has been reported at Newman Regional Health. If you are near the area: Run. Hide. Fight. If you are off campus, remain away.”
ESU statement
ESU posted a message on its website urging students to take safety precautions:
“TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION An active shooter has been reported near Cora Miller Hall and Newman Regional Health. RUN: If you can get out, do so. • Quickly and cautiously evacuate in a direction away from the shooter. • Leave your belongings. • Help other escape, if possible. • Don’t stop until you’ve reached a safe location. • Call 911 when you are safe. HIDE: If you can’t get out safely, find a place to hide. • Hide in area out of the shooter’s view. Choose a place with thicker walls. • Lock and barricade the door. • Silence your cell phone and remain quiet. • Prepare a defense plan. • Await law enforcement. FIGHT: If your life is in danger, fight. • Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in danger. • Use available objects as improvised weapons. • Use teamwork and surprise. A coordinated ambush can incapacitate an attacker. • Commit to your actions, your life depends on it. When Law Enforcement Arrives: • Follow all instructions from the police. • Keep your empty hands raised and clearly visible. • Try to remain calm. Avoid pointing or yelling. Check ESU website and RAVE for updates. DO NOT approach the area. Call 911 to report any suspicious activity.”
ESU website excerpt
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