UPDATE: “Potential gunman” threatened to harm Chatt State students if payment not received

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Chattanooga police say they received multiple calls about a potential gunman on Chatt State campus on Thursday morning.

"The caller demanded payment and threatened to harm students if payment wasn't received."

During a press conference, police said there are some similarities between this incident and the hoax active shooter call at Brainerd High School in 2023.

The lockdown at Chatt State was lifted after 1:00pm on Thursday. Classes are canceled and the college is closed for the rest of the day.

The investigation will be handled by the Chattanooga Police Department.

One student told Local 3 that safe place was her car.

All buildings on campus have been cleared and police are confident that there is no current danger on campus.

One officer on the scene was treated for heat-related injuries.

Counseling support is available for students and employees.


PREVIOUS STORY: A "TigerAlert" sent to Chatt State students and staff says "we can confirm that the campus is safe, but everyone should continue to shelter in place until lockdown is officially lifted."


PREVIOUS STORY: The Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management says "it's too early to confirm whether this is a real credible threat or a hoax."

Officials responded to a credible threat at Chatt State's main campus at 9:45am on
 Wednesday. Just seven minutes later, the college sent a text to put the school on lockdown.
Many law enforcement officers were already on campus when the call came in.

Several agencies responded to campus, going through every building to ensure the safety of students and faculty.

"Main campus is on lockdown until further notice. Stay indoors. Go into the nearest room and lock the door."

Officials on the scene first made sure the scene was safe before checking for a gas leak.
Two people were treated for anxiety, but there are no reported additional injuries.

There are no reports of gunfire seen or heard on campus. No suspect or victims have been encountered yet.

While rumors of hostages circulated on social media, Chattanooga police say no hostages were found.
Law enforcement on the scene is still working on search and clear buildings. The campus will stay on lockdown until every building is cleared.

Right now, students cannot come to campus or leave campus.

The FBI is on the scene assisting. The threat will be treated as real until they can prove there isn't a threat.


PREVIOUS STORY: At 11:04am Thursday, Chatt State is still on lockdown while police make a sweep of campus.

 
PREVIOUS STORY: Students, faculty, and staff of Chattanooga State Community College received a "TigerAlert" just before 10:00am on Thursday morning.
 
"Main campus is on lockdown until further notice. Stay indoors. Go into the nearest room and lock the door."