Utah State University briefly evacuated its Old Main Building on Tuesday after a suspicious package was found just hours before a scheduled Turning Point USA event featuring prominent Republican figures. Authorities, including a bomb squad, responded swiftly, and the package was detonated as a precaution. The campus was declared safe approximately an hour later, and normal activities resumed.

The alert was issued at 2:44 p.m., prompting an immediate evacuation. Students and staff exited through the nearest doors, following directions from emergency personnel. Videos shared on social media showed officers announcing “fire in the hole” three times before the loud explosion. The university later confirmed the device was not explosive but was handled cautiously due to potential risks.

Amanda DeRito, a spokesperson for the university, stated the suspicious item was found near the outside of Old Main. While the object did not pose a direct threat, officials chose to detonate it out of caution. The building was cleared and reopened shortly after, with all planned events allowed to proceed.

The incident occurred shortly before a high-profile TPUSA event featuring Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Sen. Mike Lee, Rep. Andy Biggs, and former Rep. Jason Chaffetz, moderated by Alex Clark. Organizers reassured attendees that enhanced security measures were in place, and the evening program continued as planned.

Students inside Old Main described confusion and alarm during the evacuation. Some initially believed it was a drill, but the visible police presence and detonation shifted the mood. Witnesses recounted loud warnings followed by the blast, creating fear and uncertainty among those nearby.

Although no injuries occurred, the event highlighted heightened campus sensitivities around political gatherings. Law enforcement did not release details about the device’s origin, and it remains unknown whether it was intended to disrupt the TPUSA event. Investigations are ongoing.