Students and staff at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville experienced a sudden lockdown Monday afternoon when reports of a possible shooting at Wilgus Hall dormitory spurred a campus-wide shelter-in-place order. By early evening, law enforcement deemed the threat “isolated” and lifted the order, though a temporary evacuation zone remains around Wilgus Hall. They’ve canceled the final exams for the week at both Platteville and Baraboo campuses as the community processes the unsettling event.
Timeline of the Incident
Late Monday, UW–Platteville police and local officers swarmed Wilgus Hall, home to 230 students. Mobile alerts urged those on campus to avoid the dorm and remain indoors. Social media posts from parents and students described frantic scenes—one report spoke of a student with a gunshot wound to the head, while another warned of an “active shooter.”
By 5 p.m., University Police Chief Joseph Hallman announced the shelter-in-place order was lifted. He confirmed a person had been “transported” from the scene but emphasized there was “no active threat to the community.” Hallman reassured details to follow once investigators have the facts and they address the privacy concerns.
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Key Facts and Responses
- Coroner Involvement: The Grant County Coroner in Wilgus Hall, signaling the severity of the isolated incident.
- University Statement: A UW–Platteville notice on its website affirmed that emergency responders remain on site and residents of Wilgus Hall will receive updates via campus email.
- Campus Impact: All final exams this week canceled to allow students and faculty time to recover.
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Community Reactions and Support
Campus leader Laura Reynolds, provost and vice chancellor of student affairs, expressed deep sadness over the event. “We are a close-knit community,” she said, noting that students need time “to work through this together.” Counseling services have been mobilized to support affected students.
Local social media buzzed with concern. A nearby resident wrote, “There was an active shooter at UW–Platteville right in our backyard … just plain terrible.” Parents pleaded for prayers as they awaited word on their children’s safety.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
UW–Platteville officials are collaborating with the state crime lab, Grant County authorities, and the city police. While they’ve lifted the shelter-in-place order, they’re urging the public to steer clear of the Wilgus Hall area. A press conference held Monday night provided limited new details, as Chief Hallman and university spokespeople focused on confirming the scene was secure and urging patience for the formal findings.
What to Know About UW–Platteville
- Location: Grant County, Wisconsin (Platteville, WI)
- Enrollment: Approximately 6,391 students
- Recent Events: The university held its graduation ceremony this past Saturday before the emergency unfolded.
As UW–Platteville returns to normal operations, the reverberations of Monday’s scare underscore the need for robust emergency planning and community support. Campus leaders have pledged transparency as facts emerge and hope the pause in exams will give the Pioneer family space to heal.
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