Virginia Tech Man with Gun: Police Release Composite, Safety Alert Lifted (PHOTO)
The lockdown of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University campus has now been lifted even though police have yet to find the alleged gunman described by three children attending a summer camp.
The university lifted the campus-wide alert at around 2:42 p.m., telling students and staff to resume normal activities.
Police will still keep watch for the armed suspect, according to school authorities.
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Earlier Thursday, police released a composite sketch of the man whom three children said was walking around campus with a gun concealed in a cloth.
The man was described as a 6-foot-tall white male wearing a blue and white vertical stripped shirt, grey shorts and brown sandals and having light brown hair, no facial hair or glasses. The children were interviewed by the police who have confirmed that their details are credible. From their description, a composite sketch of the alleged Virginia Tech gunman was drafted.
Since the sketch has been released, police have been searching the campus for someone matching the description and photo. As of yet, there have been no reports of anyone fitting the description nor have police found anyone fitting the description.
The school then sent an update alert at approximately 1 p.m.
"The university understands that it has been several hours since this began. Many officers from many police departments continue to search campus buildings. We have a very large campus and this will be a long process. There have been no further sightings or reports," the alert stated.
Prior to the lift of the campus-wide alert, people on campus remained indoors as instructed by authorities. There were no signs that students on campus seemed to be under any distress. Many were simply waiting until the lockdown is over.
Despite classes being canceled, some teachers continued their instruction.
"The professor is still teaching," said Amanda Huchler, a student among those locked down in Hahn Hall.
"Everyone is calm, and no one seems worried. Tech is doing a great job of keeping everyone safe and secure."
Some students even took to Facebook to notify the world that they were safe.
"I go to VT and everyone is locked down in classrooms as of right now ... I have faith that our officers will take care of it as best as they can," one student posted on their Facebook status.
Virginia Tech police and officials took extra security measures following the 2007 shooting massacre where Seung-Hui Cho, a 23-year old English major, opened fire on campus killing 32 students and faculty, including himself, and injuring 25 others.
Throughout Thursday, alerts have been sent through all mediums available, including email and text message.
"People expect and they want to know exactly what's happening, so you really need to communicate first and investigate later," campus spokesperson Larry Hincker said.
