Crime
No active threat identified at Newman Regional Health in Emporia
UPDATE: Police confirm the active shooter alarm at Newman Regional Health was a false alarm.
EMPORIA, Kan. — Emporia State University (ESU) issued an emergency alert Thursday afternoon after reports of an active shooter at Newman Regional Health, prompting a lockdown and urgent safety warnings for students, staff, and the surrounding community.
The alert was first sent out at 4:40 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, through the university’s official Twitter/X account and emergency notification system.
The incident reportedly occurred near Cora Miller Hall and Newman Regional Health, both located close to campus.
The initial message from ESU read:
“ESU Alert: An active shooter has been reported at Newman Regional Health. If you are near the area: Run. Hide. Fight. If you are off campus, remain away.”
Within minutes, ESU posted a more detailed statement on its website, urging students and faculty to take immediate action. The message outlined standard “Run, Hide, Fight” protocols for active shooter situations:
- RUN: Evacuate quickly and cautiously if possible, moving away from the shooter’s location. Leave belongings behind, assist others if safe to do so, and do not stop until reaching a secure location. Call 911 once safe.
- HIDE: If escape is not possible, shelter in place out of the attacker’s view, preferably in a room with solid walls. Lock and barricade doors, silence cell phones, and remain quiet. Prepare a defense plan and await law enforcement instructions.
- FIGHT: As a last resort, defend yourself if your life is in immediate danger. Use available objects as improvised weapons, act with aggression, and coordinate with others if possible to overpower the assailant.
The advisory also provided instructions for when law enforcement arrives, urging individuals to remain calm, keep hands visible, and follow all commands without sudden movements.
Police and emergency responders were dispatched immediately to the scene. ESU stressed that individuals should not approach the area and instead report any suspicious activity directly to 911.
At this time, no additional details about the suspect, possible victims, or the circumstances surrounding the report have been released.
Authorities are continuing to investigate, and updates are expected through official ESU channels, including the university website and the RAVE alert system.
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.