The Utah State University (USU) Logan campus in Logan, Utah, became the scene of a tense and unsettling incident on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Authorities were swiftly alerted to a potential bomb threat after a suspicious device was discovered near the historic Old Main building. What followed was a highly coordinated response involving the university’s law enforcement, local police, and a bomb squad, as well as the evacuation of faculty, students, and staff from the affected area. Although the device was determined to be non-explosive, the situation required decisive action to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.

This event occurred just hours before a scheduled Turning Point USA event, though there has been no confirmation that the two incidents are connected. The safety of the Utah State University community and the swift handling of the situation by authorities are the primary focus as this event continues to develop.

The Discovery of the Suspicious Device

The sequence of events began when a suspicious device was found near the exterior of Old Main, one of the most iconic and central buildings on the USU campus. Old Main is the heart of the university’s operations, a structure that has been standing since 1883 and serves as a historical and symbolic part of the campus. The device was discovered by campus personnel, who immediately contacted university law enforcement. Given the potential danger, USU campus police took immediate precautionary measures, alerting local authorities and calling in additional support, including bomb disposal experts.

As soon as the device was located, a precautionary evacuation of Old Main was ordered, and law enforcement agencies moved quickly to secure the area. According to the official USU emergency notification, students, faculty, and staff were advised to leave the building without delay. The message included instructions to use the nearest exits, avoid using elevators, and take only essential items with them, as time was of the essence.

The evacuation caused understandable distress among those in the building, but it was essential for ensuring everyone’s safety. As the situation unfolded, it was unclear whether the device posed a real threat or whether it was a hoax, but authorities were not taking any chances. The building, one of the oldest and most visited locations on campus, was cleared as police and bomb squad experts moved in to assess the situation.

Law Enforcement Response and Evacuation Efforts

Following the discovery of the suspicious device, law enforcement and emergency response teams arrived on the scene, securing the area around Old Main. Officers from both the USU police department and local law enforcement agencies were quick to block off the area, ensuring that no one could approach the building while the investigation was underway.

The safety alert sent out by the university instructed those inside Old Main to leave immediately and to proceed to designated departmental evacuation areas if applicable. Those evacuating the building were reminded to avoid the use of elevators, which could pose a risk in an emergency situation. As part of the university’s safety protocol, individuals were asked to follow the directions of emergency personnel on the scene, many of whom were stationed near the evacuation exits and at designated assembly areas on campus.

A clear and organized evacuation effort helped to ensure that everyone exited Old Main safely and without incident. The emergency personnel on hand acted swiftly and decisively, and the evacuation was carried out with minimal confusion, which is a testament to the well-trained response teams at USU and the surrounding community.

At the same time, bomb squad experts began working to examine and assess the suspicious device, which had prompted the evacuation. Tensions ran high as police officers stationed outside Old Main kept the public at a safe distance, making sure that no one was in harm’s way while the investigation was underway.

“Fire in the Hole”: The Detonation of the Device

As the bomb squad worked to evaluate the suspicious device, their investigations revealed that it was non-explosive in nature. However, out of an abundance of caution and following standard operating procedures in situations like these, the bomb squad made the decision to detonate the device.

Several reports from individuals on the scene described the moments leading up to the controlled detonation. According to witnesses, police officers on-site issued a series of loud announcements, warning everyone to clear the area before the device was destroyed. One witness recalled hearing police yell “fire in the hole” three times before a loud explosion rang out. The explosion caused a significant amount of noise, though it was controlled and did not result in any injuries.

The decision to detonate the suspicious device was made in line with safety protocols, as law enforcement and bomb disposal experts prioritize the protection of civilians in any potentially dangerous situation. The bomb squad’s controlled detonation ultimately confirmed that the device was not explosive, but the precautions taken ensured that any risk was eliminated.

Following the detonation, the area surrounding Old Main was deemed safe, and the building was cleared for re-entry. University officials confirmed that the building was secure and that normal campus activities, including classes and scheduled events, could resume. The university’s statement reassured the community that there was no longer any immediate threat, and law enforcement continued their investigation into the origins and nature of the suspicious device.

Impact on Scheduled Events and the Turning Point USA Gathering

The bomb threat and subsequent evacuation took place just hours before a Turning Point USA event was set to be held at Utah State University. Turning Point USA is a prominent conservative organization that often hosts campus events, and the university was preparing for a significant gathering that evening. While authorities have not confirmed whether the bomb threat and the Turning Point USA event are related, the timing of the evacuation raised questions about potential connections.

Despite the proximity of the evacuation to the event, university officials have made it clear that the threat was not related to any specific campus event. The university’s focus remains on ensuring the safety of students, staff, and faculty while allowing campus life to resume as usual.

University officials were quick to assure the campus community that all scheduled events would proceed as planned. The campus returned to a sense of normalcy after the evacuation, though many students, faculty, and staff remained on edge as the situation developed.

Investigation and Law Enforcement Response

As of now, the investigation into the origins of the suspicious device continues. The Utah State University police department, alongside local law enforcement agencies, is working with federal authorities to determine whether the device was placed deliberately or if it was part of a broader threat to the campus community.

The investigation is also examining the possibility that the device was left as part of a hoax, which, if confirmed, could have serious legal ramifications for the individual responsible. The act of placing a suspicious device on a college campus is considered a criminal offense and is typically met with severe penalties. Investigators are seeking any leads that might help identify those responsible for the incident.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity they may have observed in the days leading up to the incident. As the investigation continues, officials will likely work to piece together any clues that may help shed light on the motivations behind the threat.

For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of those on campus and preventing further incidents from occurring. The USU police department and local law enforcement continue to work together to maintain a strong presence on campus and in the surrounding community.

The Importance of Campus Safety Protocols

The events of September 30th serve as a reminder of the importance of having clear and effective campus safety protocols in place. Utah State University, along with local law enforcement, responded quickly and professionally to the potential bomb threat, and the swift evacuation of Old Main demonstrated the university’s commitment to protecting the safety of its students and staff.

Safety drills and preparedness exercises, such as those regularly conducted by USU’s emergency response teams, helped ensure that everyone knew how to react in the event of a real emergency. The ability to follow procedures efficiently and without panic contributed to the calm and organized evacuation of Old Main. These protocols, developed in partnership with law enforcement and first responders, helped prevent any injuries and allowed for the prompt resumption of normal campus activities.

Additionally, the role of the campus police department in managing the situation effectively cannot be overstated. Their immediate actions helped prevent any further escalation of the situation and ensured that the investigation was carried out safely and with minimal disruption.

Community Support and Response

The incident has garnered attention not only from the Utah State University community but from people across the state and beyond. In times of crisis, university communities often come together to support one another, and the response to this threat was no different. Students, faculty, and staff have rallied around one another, showing solidarity and support during a time of uncertainty.

Community leaders have also expressed their appreciation for the quick and decisive actions of law enforcement and emergency responders. Governor Spencer Cox of Utah issued a statement commending the work of the USU police and local law enforcement for their prompt and effective handling of the situation.

As the investigation continues, authorities are committed to keeping the community informed and safe. While the threat has been neutralized, the importance of remaining vigilant and following safety protocols will continue to be emphasized in the coming days.

Conclusion

The events surrounding the suspicious device at Utah State University highlight the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential threats. While the device was deemed non-explosive and the campus was declared safe shortly after the detonation, the situation served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of emergencies.

Thanks to the quick actions of law enforcement, emergency responders, and the USU police department, the situation was resolved without incident. Although the investigation is ongoing, and questions remain about the motives behind the threat, the swift response ensured that the safety of the university community was maintained.

As classes and events resume at USU, students and staff will continue to carry on with their daily routines, keeping in mind the importance of staying aware and prepared. The campus community’s unity in the face of this challenge shows that, together, they can overcome any threat to their safety and well-being.

Further updates on the investigation and the status of the suspect, if identified, will be provided as more information becomes available.