'No Active Shooter' At Saint Elizabeth, Fairleigh University: Police

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The lockdowns at both Saint Elizabeth University and Fairleigh Dickinson University in Morris County have been officially lifted as of 3:30 p.m., according to university officials.

On Tuesday, April 4, multiple Morris County school districts, including Madison Public Schools and the School District of the Chathams were all sheltering in place following a security alert at the university.

As of 2 p.m., members of the local police department were in the process of clearing the campus at Saint Elizabeth University.

"I acknowledge that today’s activities have been difficult for our students, faculty, and staff; however, I am deeply thankful for the way we came together as a family and worked through this with the support of local law enforcement," Saint Elizabeth University President Gary B. Crosby said.

Due to today’s activities, Saint Elizabeth University will:

• Cancel all activities and classes for the rest of the week. Wednesday, April 5, 2023, will be observed as a mental health day for all students, faculty, and staff. Classes will resume on Monday, April 10, 2023. All essential employees should report as usual.
• Provide group counseling from 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m. tomorrow, April 5, 2023, in Rainis Auditorium. Counseling Services will facilitate group sessions. Students needing immediate services should dial 988 or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.

Meghan Knab, a spokesperson for the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, stated that around 10:30 a.m. on April 4, the prosecutor's office was notified of an unconfirmed report of a person making threats near the Saint Elizabeth University campus and Convent Station.

"Contrary to social media reports, there is no confirmation of the presence of a subject possessing a firearm. As a precaution, Saint Elizabeth University was placed into lockdown. There is an active investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies. More information will be released at the appropriate time," Knab said.

Officers from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, the county Sheriff's Department, and Morris Township police were in charge of the search and investigation.

The New Jersey State Police were also on the scene this afternoon assisting the Morristown Police Department in the area of Saint Elizabeth University, according to Sgt. Philip Curry of the New Jersey State Police.

According to officials, Morris and Essex line rail service has resumed in both directions between Morristown and Madison as of 1:30 p.m., but there may be up to 30-minute delays due to earlier police activity near Convent.

As of 12:14 p.m., the Madison Borough Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor's Office have confirmed that it is appropriate to end the shelter-in-place exercise for all Madison Public Schools.

There will be an increased police presence at the schools and throughout Madison out of caution.