Prosecutor: Monmouth University Lockdown Cleared; Investigation Ensues

From the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office …

“Shortly after midnight on Tuesday, July 23, the Monmouth University Police Department received reports indicating that students and faculty had received an email from an individual alleging that they were armed and hiding on campus, where a dangerous device had also been placed.

“A lockdown order was subsequently issued, and individuals on campus at the time were instructed to shelter in place. The Monmouth County Emergency Response Team (MOCERT) was activated, and members of the Prosecutor’s Office, the Monmouth County Rapid Deployment Force (RDF), the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, and the Asbury Park, Deal, Long Branch, Manasquan, Marlboro, Ocean Township, and West Long Branch Police Departments responded to the scene to assist.

“A search of university buildings was conducted, and the preliminary investigation has revealed no indication of validity to either claim outlined in the email sent to students and faculty. An all-clear alert was issued to the campus shortly after 8:30 a.m., and law enforcement then cleared the scene.”

The investigation into the source of the email communication remains ongoing, and anyone with information about this matter is being asked to contact MCPO Detective Daniel Chernavsky at 800-533-7443 or Monmouth University Police Department Detective Tracy Carretta at 732-571-4444.