Massachusetts

Lockdown Lifted at Westfield State University After Report of Suspicious Man in Body Armor

An hour-long lockdown at Westfield State University has been lifted, the school announced Monday afternoon.

State police responded to the western Massachusetts campus around 1:30 p.m. to assist university police with a report of a suspicious man wearing a trenchcoat, a backpack and possibly body armor.

Uniformed and non-uniformed police officers searched buildings on the campus, and the sole witness who reported the suspect was interviewed.

Students and employees were told to stay where they were, and commuting students and visitors were urged to stay away. Bus service was also suspended for a time.

State police said the threat was ultimately determined to be unfounded, and the lockdown was lifted around 2:30 p.m. Campus has resumed normal operations.

Westfield State is located in Westfield, Massachusetts and has about 5,500 students.

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