Suspicious Package Halts Event Preparations at Utah State University

LOGAN, Utah — The Old Main Building at Utah State University was evacuated Tuesday afternoon due to a report of a suspicious package, just hours before a scheduled Turning Point USA event.

At approximately 2:45 p.m., an alert was sent to the campus community instructing faculty and students to leave the building immediately. The alert emphasized using stairs instead of elevators and taking only essential personal items. It directed evacuees to report to their department’s designated evacuation area.

Rumors quickly spread that the evacuation was a precautionary measure related to the upcoming event, which is one of the first for Turning Point USA since the group’s founder, Charlie Kirk, was killed in an incident earlier this month.

Shortly after the alert was issued, emergency crews arrived at the scene and prepared to investigate the package. Witnesses reported hearing a law enforcement officer yell “Fire in the hole!” followed by a small explosion from inside the building.

“Police just yelled ‘fire in the hole’ three times before we all heard an explosion,” said Julie Carlton, a witness to the unfolding situation.

As a result of the incident, security measures were heightened for the Turning Point USA event, with attendees required to pass through metal detectors before entering.

This incident at Utah State University highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding safety on campuses amidst increased political tensions.