UNC Under Fire: Students and Faculty Slam University's Response During Lockdown and Manhunt

In a recent incident at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, students and faculty members were left criticizing the school's communication and preparedness during a three-hour lockdown and police manhunt. The incident occurred on August 28, when an active shooter was reported on campus, resulting in the arrest of a UNC graduate student, Tailei Qi, on charges of first-degree murder and having a gun on educational property. Micah Baldonado, a senior at UNC, expressed his frustration with the school's response, stating that his teacher continued to lecture for 30 minutes after receiving alerts of an active shooter. Many students felt unprepared and panicked due to the lack of detailed information provided by the university.

Baldonado has since gathered hundreds of signatures on a petition demanding immediate improvements to the active shooter response protocol, including better faculty training and enhancements to the alert system. Despite the criticism, UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz defended the university's response, stating that the situation played out as best as they could have asked for. The university has implemented protocols such as displaying QR codes for easy access to emergency instructions and conducting regular drills. However, students argue that these measures are not enough to ensure their safety during an active shooter situation.

UNC Police Chief Brian James explained that a mass electronic alert and siren notified the campus of the emergency two minutes after a 911 call about shots being fired. Qi was placed in custody approximately 90 minutes later. However, an update from the campus alert system sent at 3:43 p.m. stated that the suspect was still at large, causing further confusion among students. During the lockdown, students were evacuated from buildings without clear directions, leaving many crying and unsure of where to go. Students reported feeling vulnerable and exposed to potential danger due to the lack of security or information provided.

Rick Amweg, a security and safety consultant, commended UNC police for their quick initial notification but acknowledged the importance of withholding incomplete information until it was confirmed and contained. He emphasized the need for specific and accurate details about active threats, including the shooter's location and movements. In response to the incident, Baldonado's petition calls for additional security measures, including installing locks on all classrooms, improving faculty training, and enhancing the alert system. The petition emphasizes the importance of timely and detailed information during an active threat situation.

UNC has not publicly confirmed the suspect's arrest until a press release issued at 5:20 p.m. Overall, the incident at UNC has highlighted the concerns and frustrations of students and faculty regarding the university's response to an active shooter situation. The call for immediate improvements to the active shooter response protocol aims to ensure the safety and security of the campus community in the face of future threats.