Cops launch investigation after ‘shots fired’ at community college in North Carolina – as terrified students hide under desks
- Officials have confirmed there were reports of gunshots at Forsyth Tech, a community college in North Carolina
- It is currently unconfirmed if there have been any injuries but people inside the building remain under lockdown
Police are responding to reports of “gunshots” being fired at a North Carolina community college.
Officials have confirmed there were reports of gunfire at Forsyth Tech’s Strickland Center but said there was no active gunman at the scene.
It has not yet been confirmed whether there were any injuries. Students have been escorted to a secure area and those inside the building remain locked down. Since then, videos have surfaced of youths hiding under desks and barricading the doors.
In a statement, the Winston-Salem Police Department said: “At 10:10 a.m. the WSPD received a report of a shooting on the main campus of Forsyth Tech Community College.
“Our officials are on site and are helping. Information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
Officials have confirmed there were reports of gunfire at Forsyth Tech, but there is no active gunman at the scene
“We can confirm that there is no active shooter on the Forsyth Tech campus. There is still an active investigation on campus.
“There are no other threats to other schools in the area. Anyone with information about this event should call 911 or WSPD (non-emergency) at 336-773-7700.
As a precaution, the police have closed several streets around the campus.
It comes just days after three children, 9, and three staff members were shot dead in a mass shooting at a private Christian school in Nashville.
A warning was sent to students that shots were being fired, and other schools were also forced into hiding.
Forsyth Tech officials said two suspects were armed and still at large, described as men wearing gray and black hoodies.
A hazardous equipment unit, fire engines and a police mobile command center are all on site.
The Superintendent of Stokes County Schools confirmed that there were students from Stokes County on campus at the time.
In a statement, they said: “While I do not have full details, I can confirm that students from Stokes County Schools were on the Forsyth Tech campus at the time of the shooting. All students have been identified and are safe.
An investigation is ongoing following reports of shootings at the community college in North Carolina
A warning was sent to students that shots were being fired, and other schools were also forced into hiding
“We do not currently believe that any of our schools in Stokes County are threatened. However, we have been in contact with our local law enforcement and will be providing additional security at our school this afternoon.’
A spokesman for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools added, “Students who attended events at Forsyth Tech are with their school representatives. All WS/FCS students are considered.
“We have no reports of injuries at this time but will update you with any further information.
“Parents, please do not report to Forsyth Tech as the campus is on lockdown and protection protocol is being followed. Our students will be returned to their home schools as soon as possible.’
This is an evolving story.