University at Buffalo Sighting of Possible Gunman

The University at Buffalo library, which is open to the general public, is the largest in the State University of New York system.

Tuesday night The University at Buffalo evacuated a library on its suburban Amherst campus after campus police received a call about a suspicious person entering the building, possibly with a gun.

Gerald Schoenle, chief of university police, said the initial call came from a student who reported seeing a man enter the library, possibly carrying a rifle under a navy peacoat.

“All we have right now is a report of a suspicious person,” university spokesman Joe Brennan said. “No one has been hurt, and no shots have been fired. Police are taking this seriously, and doing a careful, thorough search.”

Police cars and ambulances were posted at campus entrances Tuesday evening.

University police issued the e-mail alert about Lockwood Memorial Library about 4:40 p.m., and announced an hour later that evening classes were canceled.

Freshman Claire Kerstein’s English class was on the bottom floor of the building when a librarian came in and, without explanation, ordered everyone out.