By: Natalie Strain

A Riverside City College District Rave Guardian message told RCC students, faculty and staff to shelter in place at 4:17 p.m. May 28.

A second message was sent at 5:09 p.m. stating, “RCCD Urgent Alert: PD is searching for a suspect with a gun. Shelter-in-place remains. Each building will be evacuated once RCCD PD clears it.” 

Students, staff and faculty were urged to stay in classrooms and facilities as the Riverside Police Department investigated. 

“A Shelter in Place is in effect at RCC,” RCC President Claire Oliveros said in a campus-wide email. “There was a witness report of a male on foot, near the Digital Library, who reportedly flashed a gun. City of Riverside Police Department and Riverside County Sheriff are on scene and providing support to the Riverside Community College Police Department. The Digital Library has been evacuated while officers conduct a full sweep.” 

The Early Childhood Center and Cosmetology Building were the next facilities to be evacuated.

The shelter-in-place order was lifted at 6:10 p.m. “ALL CLEAR! The Riverside City College Shelter-In-Place has been lifted. There will continue to be a police presence on campus to finalize the investigation,” the announcement said.

Oliveros made an additional announcement at 6:33 p.m. via email stating the RCCD PD had given the “All Clear” allowing students to exit buildings and resume with class. She added that RCC Student Health and Psychological Services and the RCCD Employee Assistance Program are available to those affected by the incident.

Evening classes continued as scheduled.

No additional information can be provided at this moment according to the RCCD Police Department.