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UNSW issue security warning to staff and students following gun threat

Trinh Le

Mon Oct 12 2015

Unsw_quadrangle_building_2010-05-11

AN ANONYMOUS threat involving a handgun has been aimed at UNSW, resulting in an increased police presence at the university’s Kensington campus this Monday morning. Trinh Le brings you the report.

A potential security threat to University of New South Wales’ (UNSW) staff and students has prompted university authorities and NSW Police to take action.

The original anonymous threat, which was posted on popular message board 4Chan on Sunday morning, read: “I finally managed to get a handgun. Australians, if you study at UNSW, don’t go in tomorrow”.

NSW Police and university authorities have classified the threat as “general” but remain vigilant; police have reportedly been patrolling the Kensington campus throughout the day.

Classes have not been cancelled however after police classified the anonymous threat as “general, not a specific or direct threat”.

According to UNSW’s official statement, “those who would prefer to leave campus won’t be penalised”.

The university is “treating this incident seriously and have been liaising with the NSW Police through the anti-terrorism and security group and Local Area Command”.

Students have also been advised to download UNSW’s security app, which provides guidance under emergency circumstances.

One student made a comment on UNSW’s Facebook page saying:

“I’m heading home because even if the chance is next to nothing, my life is worth more than class participation, and I hope all of the faculties at UNSW appreciate this and communicate this appropriately to staff.”

The threat to UNSW is similar in nature to the one made by the gunman in the recent Oregon school shooting.

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