In a rather tense turn of events, Utah State University has issued an evacuation order due to a suspicious package discovered on campus, just hours ahead of a planned Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event.
Footage shared on social media captured a police unit shouting the alarming phrase, “fire in the hole!” three times before detonating the mysterious package, leaving onlookers both anxious and bewildered at the unfolding drama.
This unsettling incident strikes a chord, coming so soon after the tragic assassination of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk at an event in nearby Utah Valley University, a reminder of the escalating tensions surrounding such political gatherings.
The TPUSA gathering scheduled for the evening will feature notable figures including Senator Mike Lee, Representative Andy Biggs, former Representative Jason Chaffetz, and Governor Spencer Cox, a lineup that promises both provocative discourse and, perhaps, heightened security measures.
According to ABC 4 Utah, the emergency alert for the Old Main Building went out at 2:44 p.m. on September 30, instructing anyone within the vicinity to evacuate immediately and follow emergency personnel’s guidance.
The university’s spokesperson, Amanda DeRito, confirmed there had indeed been a suspicious package found, prompting a swift police response. Fortunately, by 3:45 p.m., the situation was resolved, with the Old Main Building deemed safe and normal activities resuming.
Eyewitness accounts from students illustrate the suddenness of the evacuation; classes were interrupted as bomb squad units descended upon the scene, leading to a controlled detonation being observed from outside the building.
Kiera Larsen, a student at USU, recounted the chaos, recalling how an individual entered their class to issue the evacuation order – an experience that would likely resonate as both surreal and alarming for those involved.
In an update from the university, officials stated, “A suspicious device was found near the exterior of Old Main. Both university and local law enforcement responded promptly. The device was assessed and identified as non-explosive. In a precautionary measure, the bomb squad detonated the item.” Thus, operations in Old Main returned to a semblance of normalcy as all scheduled events could proceed as planned.
Official Statement from Utah State: “A suspicious device was found near the exterior of Old Main. University and local law enforcement acted swiftly. The device was found to be non-explosive and was safely detonated.”
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) September 30, 2025
Despite the front-page drama, the Turning Point USA event at Utah State remains on schedule, with participants urged to keep the political discourse flowing.
“The Turning Point event at Utah State is still going on,” remarked commentator Jack Poso, hinting at the unity of purpose amid chaos.
Photo from the venue: pic.twitter.com/HDLTOhUpDl
— Jack Poso (@JackPosobiec) September 30, 2025
