Classes have resumed at the University of Manitoba after a threat of violence shut down the entire campus Tuesday morning.
At around 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the Winnipeg Police Service received reports of a male armed with a knife at the Allen Building, which is located at 30 Sifton Road, at the U of M Campus.
Just before 8:30 a.m., the province issued an Alert Ready notification asking Winnipeggers to stay away from the area.
Tammy Junghans, mentor for Segue, a student club at the U of M, was on campus when the incident occurred.
"It was a bit of a difficult day yesterday," said Junghans. "We arrived at the campus and shortly after we found out that there had been a person wielding a knife on campus and so we jumped into action."
When Junghans learned of this information, she quickly worked with the Spiritual Care Coordinator to arrange a safe space for students to gather behind locked doors.
"I was afraid," said Junghans. "I was afraid for the students that I couldn't see. I was also afraid for the ones I could see."
At the same time, Junghans says she was also praying that the person involved would be found and get the help they needed.
"It was a little triggering and a little traumatic," said Junghans. "I think it's important we pray for the students, staff and faculty on campus when this situation broke out."
By 10:30 a.m. yesterday, Winnipeg police had the incident under control, with no injuries reported.
"I am thankful that no one was harmed but there is an alarming trend that a few of us have noticed this fall," said Junghans."We have students coming from more than 100 different countries. We've got students from rural Manitoba and different parts of Canada. You assume safety at a university like this. So when things happen and it's out of the ordinary it can be rattling."
She says it is important to pray for peace and that the students would make the choices for their safety.
The Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate. No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information regarding the incident, including video surveillance, is asked to contact investigators at 204-986-6219 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org.