St. Paul Lockdown Lifted After Gunfire Near Metro State University; Suspect in Custody
ST. PAUL, Minn. — A tense situation unfolded Thursday afternoon near the St. Paul campus of Metropolitan State University, prompting a temporary lockdown after gunshots were reported in the area. The St. Paul Police Department confirmed that a suspect is now in custody after allegedly firing a weapon at their own mother near the university.
The incident occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m. near the intersection of 6th Street East and Maria Avenue, just steps away from Metro State’s campus. Police say the suspect discharged a firearm during a domestic altercation but fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Authorities emphasized that although the weapon was fired, the intended victim was not physically harmed.
Following the gunfire, the suspect fled the scene, leading to an urgent police response and the immediate implementation of safety protocols by the university. Metro State initiated a full campus lockdown as a precaution while law enforcement launched an area-wide search for the individual.
During the lockdown, university officials issued an emergency email alert to faculty, staff, and students, categorizing the situation as an “active violence” threat. The alert instructed community members to follow standard emergency response guidelines: run to safety if possible, hide if escape was not feasible, and as a last resort, be prepared to fight if directly threatened.
The rapid response by campus security and St. Paul police helped contain the situation quickly. Officers located and apprehended the suspect within hours. Law enforcement has not released the suspect’s identity at this time, but they confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
By late afternoon, police lifted the lockdown and reopened the campus. Classes were expected to resume on a normal schedule, though university officials acknowledged the emotional toll such events can take. In a statement, Metro State encouraged students and staff to access counseling and mental health resources, which have been made available both in person and virtually.
“This was a frightening event for our entire campus community,” said Dr. Ginny Arthur, President of Metropolitan State University. “We are grateful for the swift response from our public safety team and local law enforcement, and we remain committed to ensuring the continued safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.”
Local residents expressed concern about gun violence so close to the university. The incident marks yet another example of how quickly a domestic dispute can escalate into a broader public safety concern.
Police have not commented on the motive behind the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities expect to release further details as the case develops, including potential charges against the suspect.
For now, the campus is returning to a sense of normalcy, but the echoes of Thursday’s events have left a lingering impact.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Help is available 24/7.