UCF police say no credible threat of person with gun

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The University of Central Florida campus police on Tuesday responded to the Library in reference to a person with a gun, the agency said.  

The Library was the only building placed on lockdown; all other buildings remained open. The building was cleared of any danger shortly before 5 p.m.  There were reports of a loud "pop," according to witnesses and FOX 35 crews at the scene, but the operations appear to be normal.  

A university spokesperson said the "pop" that was heard by many in the vicinity was actually the sound of UCF police officer's gun discharging.   "One of the officers was getting ready to leave the scene, he was loading his rifle in his car -- that's where our officers store rifles, they have a rack that keeps them secure and safe -- and as he was putting his rifle into the rack, it accidentally discharged," said Courtney Gilmartin with UCF. "We're not sure if it was an issue with the gun or with the rack. We're going to investigate that, but nobody was hurt."

UCF police say this was prompted by unconfirmed reports on social media of a possible woman with a gun at the Library, and they were following up on that possible threat. They completed a sweep of the building and students and staff were allowed back inside. 

"Unfortunately, this is the problem with social media, but we have to take it like it's the real deal," said UCF Police Chief Richard Beary. "No one was injured and all of buildings are back open."

UCF is one of the largest universities in the country, with over 60,000 students.