Update 11:37 a.m.
We have completed a review of the events of yesterday’s lockdown and would like to share more detailed information.
Events of July 29:
- 2:51 p.m. – Campus Safety received a report of a man wearing a tactical vest and carrying a handgun. This report placed the man on foot walking between buildings 21 and 20 toward the loop, away from Building 25, on the Olympia Campus. The eye witness was directed to immediately call 911.
- 2:55 p.m. – Law enforcement began arriving on campus including: Olympia Police Department, Lacey Police Department, Tumwater Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI.
- 3:12 p.m. – Olympia Police advised that SPSCC move to lockdown status on the Olympia Campus. All exterior doors were remotely locked and, shortly after, the first email and SPSCC Rave Alert messages were sent. The law enforcement agencies worked together to search for the man reported around campus, including use of several drones and K9 dogs.
- 4:32 p.m. – Law enforcement moved to an interior building-by-building search to clear all areas as safe.
- 5:55 p.m. – Law enforcement completed the search and cleared campus as safe. To be cautious, SPSCC suspended operations until midnight and sent everyone off campus.
Update July 30:
- Early this morning, Campus Safety received a tip that a Loomis employee was seen in the same area and time of the initial report. Loomis, SPSCC’s cash handling service, employs Armed Driver Guards to securely move cash and valuables off of campus every day.
- While they do not walk with a gun in hand, Armed Driver Guards often walk holding a secure black bag in one hand and may keep their other hand near their gun holster on their waist. They wear the Loomis logo on the front and back of their vests.
- Loomis Armed Driver Guards typically park and walk another path than what they walked yesterday.
- After consulting with Loomis, we’ve confirmed that the man reported matched the description of the Armed Driver Guard on duty, and that he walked on that path at that time.
We recognize that events like this are frightening and can cause a wide range of emotions during the event and after. Please remember that SPSCC students can connect with free mental health counselors in Mental Health Counseling and employees can find support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Thank you to SPSCC Campus Safety and Law Enforcement agencies who acted quickly and worked seamlessly together to ensure the safety of our campus. Thank you to the eye witnesses and tipsters who helped in this event and investigation. And to the greater SPSCC community, we are extremely proud of you all for following directions during the lockdown and acting with tremendous patience and bravery while waiting nearly three hours to be cleared to go home.
Update 6:23 a.m., July 30, 2025
SPSCC is open an operating as usual today. The Clipper Coffee Corner and Cafe will be closed.
Update 5:55 p.m.
The law enforcement sweep is complete and campus has been cleared. Anyone remaining on campus should leave immediately.
Campus buildings will remain locked with no keycard access to all faculty, staff, students, and visitors for the rest of today, July 29. Operations are suspended until midnight.
Update 4:57 p.m.
There are no major updates as law enforcement continues to search and safely evacuate campus. Please stand by for further updates.
Update: 4:32 p.m.
Folks on the Olympia Campus should continue to stay indoors. Shortly, law enforcement will begin a building-by-building search to safely evacuate each area of campus. SPSCC Campus Safety is working closely with law enforcement during this time.
Update 4:16 p.m.
There are no new major updates. Please continue to stay indoors until you receive further updates.
Update 3:58 p.m.
Please continue to stay indoors until you receive further updates. Contrary to the SPSCC Rave Alert, please do not attempt to evacuate Campus (there was a message sent in error).
Update 3:36 p.m.
There is currently a lockdown on the Olympia Campus. Please stay indoors until you receive further updates.
Update 3:19 p.m.
Olympia Campus is locked down. If you are on campus, please stay indoors until you receive further instructions.
Original 3:12 p.m., July 29, 2025
There is currently a large police presence on the Olympia Campus in response to a call from a concerned citizen who observed a person walking near Mottman Road who appeared to be carrying a weapon.
There is not currently a known threat to campus. Please avoid any areas where you see law enforcement activity. We will update you on the situation when we know more.