Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, issued an all-clear notice Wednesday afternoon after a campus-wide evacuation was triggered by a security threat involving an unauthorized individual carrying flammable materials. The incident began around 12:15 p.m., when a man wearing construction gear entered a restricted construction zone at the Mary and John Gray Library, which is currently undergoing renovations.
Upon inspection, officials confirmed the man was not affiliated with the construction crew working on-site. Lamar University Police Department (LUPD) Sergeant Byron Popillion explained that workers from Turner Industries, the construction company on site, immediately identified the individual as an outsider and contacted campus police. Officers detained the man, who was later identified as an online student at Lamar University.
According to campus authorities, the student was found on an upper floor of the library making threats toward himself and carrying flammable liquids. This led to an immediate evacuation of the university and a coordinated response from law enforcement.
Lamar University Police Detain Student; Flammable Substances Found
Following the initial encounter, the man was taken into custody without further incident. LUPD confirmed that he will undergo a mental health evaluation. A backpack linked to the student was found in the chemistry building, but no hazardous materials were discovered inside.
The university issued its first evacuation alert at 12:35 p.m., urging all students, staff, and visitors to leave campus immediately. A second message followed at 12:53 p.m., confirming a threat had been made and that law enforcement was actively investigating. By 3:00 p.m., the university declared the situation under control and reopened for normal operations starting June 12.
Two graduate students, Mary LaLonde and Cassie Boyd, who were on campus for residency week, recounted their experience. “We got the alert and weren’t sure what was going on. We just knew we needed to evacuate, so we just took off running,” LaLonde said. Boyd added, “We’re just glad everyone is safe and that police did their job and got us off campus.”
Investigation Continues Amid Strong Law Enforcement Presence
As a precaution, the nearby Lamar Institute of Technology was also evacuated. Throughout the afternoon, FBI agents and local law enforcement personnel remained visible on campus, further underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Sergeant Popillion emphasized that such incidents are extremely rare at Lamar University. “This is something that’s out of the ordinary and will likely not happen again. We always aim to stay vigilant and proactive in keeping our campus community safe,” he said.
Authorities continue to investigate the student’s motive, and no further details about his intentions have been released. The university, while now secure, has assured students and staff that support services are available as the campus community processes the event.
This is an ongoing investigation, and additional updates will be shared as new information becomes available.
