Instead, Cody said MSU went into “secure in place.” During an active violent situation, such as a shooting, MSU students and faculty members are advised to find a secure location to protect themselves.

Christy Stehouwer, a Brody engagement center assistant, did exactly that. She said her director received the text message alert and made everyone nearby aware. Because the area was surrounded by glass, she and other employees brought nearby students and faculty members in the storage facility office.

“The safety of those around me was my initial response because I knew not everyone had gotten the message,” Stehouwer said. “We just gathered everyone from the study areas and the hallway and said ‘come with us, there’s been an MSU alert.’ That was my biggest concern.”

Food industry management senior Anna Strimpel was working at Sparty’s in Brody Hall when the alert was sent out. She said her initial response wasn't fear of the situation — she's more frightened that shootings seem to be happening more frequently. 

"Maybe the first time it's a little bit intimidating, but as an employee I know other students kind of come here and look to be guided by employees on campus," she said. "It's not really something where I was scared. It's just what you have to do." 

However, not everyone received an alert. 

Communications senior Jacqueline Wesenberg said she was sitting in class when the alert was sent out. She said she would not have been aware of what was happening had her professor not received the text. 

At approximately 1:15 p.m., the secure in place was lifted. Cody said everyone is encouraged to register on the MSU Alert page to be notified in the event of an emergency.