BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — SUNY Erie’s downtown campus was locked down and evacuated following a gun call on Friday morning that did not turn up any weapons, according to Buffalo police.

Buffalo Police, New York State Police, Transit Police and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the campus. Police first responded to the campus around 10:25 a.m. The campus was locked down out of “an abundance of caution,” according to police, but found “nothing to indicate” that there was a person with a gun on campus.

The school said in a statement that the campus switchboard got a call claiming there was a person with a gun on the fifth floor of the post office building.

“I pushed the table against the door because ECC trains people on potential situations like that,” Brian Jank, a professor who was teaching a class Friday morning, said. “About 10, 15 minutes later cops came trying to open the door, they had military-grade weapons. It was a pretty serious situation.”

Students were told to hide, as well as had their bags searched.

Campus police said the call “raised suspicions” after the fact, as the caller was brief, did not identify themselves and did not pick up when police tried to call back. Campus police added that if the call was intentionally falsely made, they would move for prosecution.

The campus is between North Division Street and Swan Street as well as Washington Street and Elm Street.

The college was able to provide onsite support services for students. Crisis services for students can be reached at 716-834-3131. Employee Assistance Program child and family services for employees can be reached at 716-681-4300.

The incident is still under investigation.

This is a developing story, check back for updates. You can see a full update from SUNY Erie officials in the video player below.

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