UNCW increases security after potential threat proved false, campus opens for students

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The University of Wilmington has ramped up security with help from several law enforcement agencies following the potential threat of a gunman on campus proved false.

The threat led to the university shutting down on Friday, and students were finally able to head back to class this week.

The New Hanover County Sherriff’s Office, Wilmington Police, and the University of Wilmington Police Departments all patrolled entrance gates and even had foot patrol across campus.

Ashleigh Atkins, a junior who transferred this semester from Western Carolina University, said even with the increased patrol, she was scared to go to class.

“I’ve never dreaded coming to campus... I love it here, it’s so beautiful,” Atkins said. “I’m not gonna lie... when I was pulling in this morning at 7:45, I was a little nervous.”

The increased police presence comes after UNCW announced restrictions to freedom of expression events, and even temporarily restricting painting on spirit rocks.

Last week, a memorial to Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator, was painted on the spirit rock, and then painted over, causing tensions across the University.

Parker Varney, a freshman at UNCW, says the action taken by the University for more police presence is a step in the right direction, but he believes it may be a little too late.

“This morning, they put out a thing that the rock can’t be painted on by students, and I think last week they should have done that,” Varney said.

For Atkins, she hopes the police presence will help her classmates feel safe, but she was expecting more from the university.

“It almost feels like the university is...I don’t want to say trying to make us feel stupid...but it feels like a slap in the face at this point,” Atkins said.

WECT reached out to the University for an interview with the UNCW Police Department Chief Frank Brinkley, but we were told he was “tied-up” and was unable to comment.

The University said this in response to our request:

“The safety and security of our students, faculty and staff remains our highest priority. UNCW Police are available and prepared to respond to any concerns 24/7/365. As Chancellor Volety conveyed in a campus message Sunday, the university has enhanced campus security with support from additional law enforcement personnel, expanded foot patrols, increased law enforcement presence at campus entrances and enhanced visibility across campus.”