In a tense afternoon on the Logan campus, Utah State University evacuated its iconic Old Main building after reports of a suspicious package surfaced just hours before a high-profile Turning Point USA event. The incident, unfolding on September 30, prompted a swift response from university police and local bomb squads, who ultimately detonated the device in a controlled explosion. Witnesses described hearing a sharp blast, with one student recounting the moment officers shouted "fire in the hole" before the detonation echoed across the quad.
Indeed, the timing couldn't have been more fraught. The Turning Point USA gathering, the organization's first in Utah since the assassination of founder Charlie Kirk earlier this month, had already drawn extra security layers to the campus. University officials had announced bolstered measures, including increased patrols and bag checks, in anticipation of potential disruptions. However, the suspicious item turned out to be far less sinister than feared—a misplaced wildlife telemetry collar used for an undergraduate field research class. Placed near the building's exterior by a USU employee for educational purposes, it mimicked the look of something more dangerous, complete with GPS-like components that raised alarms.
The all-clear came around 4:46 p.m., allowing activities to resume and the evening event to proceed without interruption. Ellis Bruch, executive director for USU Public Safety, praised the community's vigilance in a statement, emphasizing that "better safe than sorry" remains a guiding principle. Yet, the episode underscores the jittery atmosphere surrounding politically charged campus visits these days, especially in the wake of national tragedies. Students who spotted the odd device and alerted authorities were commended for their quick thinking, preventing any real panic from spreading.
Moreover, this wasn't just a false alarm; it highlighted how everyday academic tools can blur into perceived threats under scrutiny. As the TPUSA tour continues across the state, one can't help but wonder how such incidents might shape the broader conversation on campus safety and free speech.