An attack on the campus of Ohio State University played out in real time on social media Monday morning, as students, the school, media members and witnesses used technology to get their message to the appropriate people.
Ohio State officials warned students in a series of tweets about the situation, with one tweet saying, “Buckeye Alert: Active Shooter on campus. Run Hide Fight. Watts Hall. 19th and College.”
The school also tweeted that all classes would be canceled for the rest of the day. The Associated Press eventually informed students that the scene is secure on Twitter and confirmed the attacker is dead.
The attack was initially called a “shooting,” but reports indicated that the suspect did not shoot anyone. The suspect is now believed to have initially struck people with a car before beginning to stab victims.
BREAKING: Ohio State University spokesman says a suspect in attack on campus has been shot and killed.
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 28, 2016
BREAKING: Ohio State says shelter-in-place warning is lifted and scene is secure after active shooter report, injuries.
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 28, 2016
NBC News reports that attacker was a Somali refugee, and there are conflicting reports about the attacker’s age. Seven people have been sent to the hospital, according to the AP. The school’s student newspaper tweeted “at least one body bag” is present at the scene.
There's at least one body bag present in front of Koffolt Labs. OSU police still advising to take shelter. Situation not under control. pic.twitter.com/fIdvjpwbzD
— The Lantern (@TheLantern) November 28, 2016
Other witnesses chimed in with details that TheWrap cannot confirm or refute at this point.
https://twitter.com/PlacedeBastille/status/803279858138750976
they pulled the fire alarm & drove a truck into 30+ people when they ran out of the building. they jumped out of car & attacked ppl.. insane
— Gregory DePorzio (@gregdeporzio) November 28, 2016
PHOTO: Students barricade door to classroom amid incident at Ohio State University. https://t.co/KGuP6ey7OI pic.twitter.com/RFWdypDjCt
— ABC News (@ABC) November 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/giveawayzutton/status/803277715390349312
Sean Cody, Ohio State University Student, reported that explosion followed by three gunshots alerted students to active shooter situation.
— American Grit (@TheAmericanGrit) November 28, 2016
Many news outlets and witnesses used Periscope and Facebook Live to broadcast from campus.
https://twitter.com/_falzarano/status/803255052622303232
https://twitter.com/dellakwal/status/803267490763722752
OHIO STATE LATEST https://t.co/P07Xmq9722
-7 transported to hospital
-FBI on scene
-Campus urged to shelter-in-place https://t.co/iOBzRLORjJ— Good Morning America (@GMA) November 28, 2016
WATCH LIVE: Reporting from the ground of Ohio State University, where an active shooter has been reported on campus https://t.co/ph6QRKE0Rx pic.twitter.com/I3vKf5N98d
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 28, 2016
Homeland Security and other emergency vehicles rolling in. @nbc4i @OhioState pic.twitter.com/NvbUhYT5LG
— Olivia (Fecteau) Hiltbrand (@oliviafecteau) November 28, 2016
Others took to social media to express support for the school.
https://twitter.com/SamSarahbi/status/803277786358001664
My prayers go out to the students injured in the Ohio state university shooting.
— Cody (@maybegrizzled) November 28, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of my friends and the students at Ohio State University
— Meghan Arsenault (@MeghanSnare27) November 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/mongeausvapour/status/803277767957741568
Thoughts and prayers are with the victims of Ohio State campus shooting and with the entire Ohio State University family.
— Skip Rutherford (@JLRIII) November 28, 2016
My heart really breaks for Ohio State University. I have no words.
— caroline🌸 (@mylifeshastings) November 28, 2016
More to come…