llinois State University issued an emergency alert Sunday night after reports of shots fired at the Bone Student Center.
Police confirmed one victim, and authorities were searching for a suspect who fled the scene.
The university later stated there was no shelter-in-place order for the campus, though the Bone Student Center remained closed as police cleared the area.
The first alert, issued at 7:55 p.m., warned of a firearm discharge near campus, stating the suspect may be armed and dangerous.
Shortly after, updates described the suspect as a slender Black male, approximately 5-foot-10 with an afro hairstyle, wearing all black.
The suspect was last seen running south from the Bone Student Center and University Street.
Students and event attendees at the Bone recounted moments of panic as the shooting occurred during a large sorority event.
Freshman Maya Serrano described the scene as chaotic, with attendees rushing for the exits, and some injuring themselves in the rush.
Other students, including senior James Friedman, took shelter in nearby buildings, uncertain of the situation at first.
This marks the second shooting in the area near University and Locust Streets within the past seven months.
In September 2024, a fatal shooting occurred near the same location, with a Chicago man charged in that incident.
Police are currently seeking information about Sunday’s shooting and have asked anyone with details to contact ISU Police.
This incident adds to a growing list of violent occurrences in Normal, Illinois, following two fatal shootings and several injuries in 2024.
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