MUSKINGUM COUNTY, Ohio — In a startling turn of events on Monday evening, Muskingum University found itself at the center of a social media storm following reports of an active shooter on campus. The incident, which began with a routine domestic dispute between two students, escalated due to miscommunication and the rapid spread of misinformation online.
At approximately 6:35 p.m., a staff member overheard students discussing the earlier altercation and, misinterpreting the conversation, believed there was a hostage situation involving a firearm. This concern was promptly relayed to the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office, leading to a swift and comprehensive response from law enforcement.
Sheriff Matt Lutz addressed the situation, stating, “It was relayed to law enforcement that there was a person with a hostage or something to the effect of a person with a gun.” However, after thorough interviews and a meticulous room-by-room search of campus buildings, officials found no evidence of an active threat. The shelter-in-place order was subsequently lifted, and normalcy restored.
This incident underscores the perils of misinformation, particularly in the age of instantaneous social media dissemination. Sheriff Lutz emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing, noting that premature or inaccurate posts can exacerbate fear and complicate emergency responses.
Muskingum University, located in New Concord, approximately 70 miles east of Columbus, is a liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.
In the aftermath, both university officials and law enforcement are urging individuals to exercise caution and responsibility when sharing information online, to prevent similar incidents in the future.