Law enforcement cautions public about spreading misinformation online, following UNCW shelter-in-place

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The University of Wilmington confirmed a video with a man carrying a gun in a parking garage stirred up chaos across campus, which caused a shelter-in-place order Thursday night.

The potential threat brought several departments to campus, including Wilmington Police Department, New Hanover County Sherriff’s Office, and State Police.

The video allegedly has circulated across other college campuses as well.

While there was no active threat, according to the University, the situation raises questions about the role social media played in the situation.

Regardless, New Hanover County Sherriff Ed McMahon said when it comes to social media, they take every threat seriously, no matter how small.

McMahon did not comment on the UNCW shelter-in-place, but he did share the importance of watching rumors on social media.

“If something comes through social media, we have to treat it as real until we can verify otherwise,” McMahon said.

According to McMahon, social media can actually be helpful to investigations but can also hinder law enforcement and put lives at risk.

“It’s putting us at risk…it’s putting the community at risk,“ McMahon said. ”If you see something that comes through social media, we absolutely want you to send it in to tell us, but reposting it to everybody? It’s not necessarily going to be the right thing to do.”

McMahon said the message is clear: Think before you post.

“If you’re reposting things that you don’t know are accurate... a lot of them are lies a lot of them are…are untrue…people making things up...,“ McMahon said. ”If you’re reposting that and putting it out there...then you’re creating more chaos, more drama.”

McMahon said to share any concerning photos or videos with law enforcement, so they can proceed appropriately.

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