
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville was shaken by tragedy on May 19, 2025, when two students were killed in what authorities have described as a “targeted and isolated” incident at Wilgus Hall, a student residence. The university issued a shelter-in-place order between 4:00 and 5:00 PM, urging students to remain indoors while law enforcement responded to the scene.
Students and faculty were instructed to remain indoors as authorities responded swiftly to assess the situation. Fortunately, the lockdown has now been lifted, and officials have confirmed that there was no active threat to the campus.
The victims, identified as Kelsie Martin, 22, of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Hallie Helms, 22, of Baraboo, Wisconsin, were both students at UW-Platteville. Helms had just received her elementary education degree two days prior, while Martin was enrolled in forensic science courses set to graduate this summer.
This incident has sparked discussions about campus safety, emergency preparedness, and the role of law enforcement in handling such situations. As investigations continue, students, parents, and faculty members are reflecting on the measures taken to ensure their security.
Table of Contents
What Happened at Wilgus Hall of University of Wisconsin?
On May 19, 2025, around 4:30 PM, the university issued a shelter-in-place order after receiving reports of a possible active shooter inside Wilgus Hall, a well-known student dormitory.
- Emergency alerts were sent out to students and staff, advising them to stay indoors and avoid the area.
- Law enforcement officials, including Platteville Police and UW-Platteville security, immediately responded to secure the building.
- Initial reports suggested gunshots had been heard, prompting an urgent search of Wilgus Hall for potential threats.
As fear and uncertainty spread across campus, students scrambled to contact loved ones, while others took to social media to share live updates.
Law Enforcement Response & Investigation
Authorities acted swiftly, prioritizing the safety of students and staff.
- Platteville Police conducted a room-to-room sweep, ensuring there was no immediate threat inside Wilgus Hall.
- Emergency responders remained on-site to assess the situation and provide support to anxious students.
- By 5:03 PM, officials confirmed that there was no active shooter, and the lockdown was lifted.
The Grant County Coroner was reportedly present during the investigation, although details regarding their involvement remain unclear.
Officials later revealed that misinterpreted noises or a possible prank may have led to the initial panic and emergency response. However, campus authorities reaffirmed that safety protocols were necessary, given the seriousness of the reports.
Student & Public Reactions
The incident sparked widespread concern, especially among students and parents.
- Many praised the university’s swift response, saying the shelter-in-place order was the right precaution.
- Others criticized the lack of clarity in the alerts, leading to confusion and panic.
- A student wrote on social media, “We had no idea what was happening. Some of us locked our doors and stayed away from windows.”
Despite the temporary fear and confusion, university officials assured everyone that they followed proper protocols to handle the situation effectively.
Lessons Learned & Future Safety Measures
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of campus security measures and effective emergency response systems.
- Emergency Alerts: The university’s quick response via text notifications proved crucial in keeping students informed.
- Law Enforcement Coordination: Having Platteville Police and campus security work together ensured an efficient investigation.
- Mental Health Support: Counselors have been made available for students experiencing stress or anxiety following the lockdown.
Addressing False Alarms: Authorities are considering stricter measures to prevent unnecessary panic and improve the verification of emergency reports.
The university is expected to review its protocols and host awareness workshops to better prepare students for potential emergencies.
Conclusion
While the UW-Platteville shelter-in-place incident ended without harm, it has raised important discussions about campus security, emergency response preparedness, and the role of law enforcement in handling critical situations.
As the university conducts further evaluations, the focus remains on learning from this event to strengthen student safety and crisis management protocols.
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