Suspicious packages found in Dean B. Ellis Library and disposed of by police; library resumes functioning

Interim chancellor Dr. Dan Howard said that University Police Department (UPD) officers were notified on March 8, of the presence of “suspicious” packages in the library’s lobby at approximately 12:40 p.m. Shortly afterward, an emergency alert was sent throughout the campus and the library was evacuated immediately.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the library was evacuated and actions were taken to prevent any individuals from entering the building,” Dr. Howard said. “Our University Police Department contacted the Jonesboro Police Department and the Arkansas State Police who have special expertise in bomb detection and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD).”

While the suspicious items were being examined and a building search was initiated and underway, the UPD was notified by an ASU faculty member that the items in the packages were part of an art exhibit. Dr. Howard noted that permission had been granted to display the art exhibit in the library by a university official in the library; however, due to a communication error, the official granting permission did not understand fully the nature of the what was to be displayed.

After confirming that the suspicious items were part of an innocuous art exhibit, an all-clear was sent through the emergency alert system and the library resumed functioning. Dr. Howard stated that governing emergency safety protocols were followed in letter and spirit and there was excellent cooperation among law enforcement, university leadership, building occupants, and other affected parties.

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