UK, Lexington Police respond to false active shooter report near library

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The University of Kentucky says a report of an active shooter near William T. Young Library Wednesday afternoon was determined to be a hoax.

According to UK, at 12:12 p.m. police from both UK and Lexington responded within two minutes of receiving the report. Using the campus camera system, officers quickly confirmed the call was false.

Because it was determined to be a hoax almost immediately, no UK Alerts were issued and students, faculty, and staff were not asked to take action.

UK officials say they are monitoring a wave of false threat reports being made to universities across the country this week. The university says campus safety remains its top priority and it will continue to provide updates as necessary.