Fayetteville, North Carolina, October 17, 2025
Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Spring Lake campus experienced a brief lockdown due to reports of what sounded like gunfire. Local law enforcement responded swiftly to investigate the situation. Upon inspection, it was determined that the noises were generated by construction tools in the vicinity, ensuring that there was no active threat to students or staff. The incident highlights the importance of promptly addressing safety concerns within educational institutions.
Spring Lake, North Carolina
Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Spring Lake campus was placed on lockdown on October 13, 2025, following reports of gunfire-like noises. Authorities later determined that the sounds originated from construction tools used by contractors renovating a glass rotunda on campus, confirming no active threat.
At approximately 9:50 a.m., students and staff began calling 911, reporting noises resembling gunshots. In response, the campus was placed on a “code red” lockdown, and law enforcement agencies, including the Spring Lake Police Department, responded promptly. Upon investigation, it was found that contractors were using air-powered impact tools during renovations, which, when echoed through the glass and hallways, mimicked the sound of gunfire. This led to the false alarm.
FTCC President Mark Sorrells confirmed that the situation was a false alarm, stating that both campus security and Spring Lake police found no evidence to substantiate the reports. The lockdown was lifted shortly after 11 a.m., and normal campus operations resumed. The incident highlights the importance of prompt and thorough responses to potential threats, as well as the need for clear communication during such events.
Fayetteville Technical Community College, established in 1961, is a public community college located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. It offers over 190 programs and serves more than 30,000 students annually. The Spring Lake campus is one of its multiple locations, providing various educational services to the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the lockdown at Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Spring Lake campus?
The lockdown was initiated after reports of gunfire-like noises on October 13, 2025. Authorities later determined that the sounds originated from construction tools used by contractors renovating a glass rotunda on campus, confirming no active threat.
How did authorities respond to the reports of gunfire?
Upon receiving the reports, the campus was placed on a “code red” lockdown. Law enforcement agencies, including the Spring Lake Police Department, responded promptly to investigate the situation.
What did the investigation reveal about the source of the noises?
The investigation revealed that contractors were using air-powered impact tools during renovations. The noise from these tools echoed through the glass and hallways, mimicking the sound of gunfire, leading to the false alarm.
When was the lockdown lifted, and what was the outcome?
The lockdown was lifted shortly after 11 a.m., and normal campus operations resumed. No evidence of an active threat was found, and the incident was confirmed to be a false alarm.
What is Fayetteville Technical Community College?
Fayetteville Technical Community College, established in 1961, is a public community college located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. It offers over 190 programs and serves more than 30,000 students annually. The Spring Lake campus is one of its multiple locations, providing various educational services to the community.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | October 13, 2025 |
| Location | Fayetteville Technical Community College, Spring Lake campus, Spring Lake, North Carolina |
| Cause of Lockdown | Reports of gunfire-like noises |
| Actual Source | Construction tools used by contractors renovating a glass rotunda |
| Response | Campus placed on “code red” lockdown; law enforcement agencies responded promptly |
| Outcome | No active threat found; lockdown lifted; normal operations resumed |
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Author: Construction NC News
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