Shots Fired Near FAU Jupiter Campus Prompts Emergency Alert: Jupiter Police Investigate Active Incident on Barbados Drive
JUPITER, FL — Tension rippled through the quiet community of Abacoa on Tuesday evening after the Jupiter Police Department responded to reports of shots fired near Barbados Drive, prompting an immediate and large-scale law enforcement presence. The incident unfolded just before 7 p.m., causing alarm among local residents and initiating a temporary lockdown at the nearby Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Jupiter campus.
According to police, officers were quickly dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire in the area. While the nature and source of the incident remain under investigation, authorities urged both residents and visitors to avoid the vicinity of Barbados Drive while the active scene was assessed and secured.
University Alert Triggers Community Concern
As a precaution, FAU officials issued an emergency alert to students and faculty on the John D. MacArthur Campus, warning of a possible threat near the school grounds. The message advised the campus community to shelter in place while the situation unfolded nearby.
“The Jupiter Police Department is responding to a call near our John D. MacArthur Campus in Jupiter and requested that we send out an alert for that campus. The incident did not occur on our campus,” a spokesperson from FAU told WPBF 25 News.
While the shots fired call did not involve the university directly, the close proximity of the incident raised concerns for student safety. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in connection with the school, and officials issued an “all clear” shortly after 8 p.m., confirming that the campus had resumed normal operations.
Ongoing Investigation
As of Tuesday night, no suspects have been publicly identified, and authorities have not confirmed whether anyone was injured in the incident. Officers remained on the scene for several hours, canvassing the area for evidence, interviewing potential witnesses, and working to determine the circumstances surrounding the gunfire.
The Jupiter Police Department has not yet released further information, including whether any arrests have been made or if the shots fired were part of a targeted or random act. Residents in the surrounding neighborhoods reported hearing multiple loud noises, though these accounts have not yet been confirmed by officials.
Community Response
The event sparked swift concern from Abacoa residents, many of whom took to social media to share their experiences and to ensure loved ones were safe. Several reported being temporarily locked inside local businesses and restaurants as the situation developed.
“I was just finishing dinner when we got the alert. It was scary not knowing what was going on,” said one FAU student, who asked not to be identified. “We’re just thankful it didn’t escalate further.”
Local law enforcement has thanked the public for their cooperation and patience during the investigation and reiterated the importance of remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity.
What Comes Next
As the investigation remains active and ongoing, police are expected to provide additional updates once more details become available. In the meantime, residents of Abacoa and the FAU community are encouraged to continue following guidance from local authorities and stay clear of the Barbados Drive area until police have concluded their work.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Jupiter Police Department directly.
This story will be updated as new information is released.