Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said Wednesday there was no active shooter in downtown Baton Rouge.
Her statement came after reports of a gunman near her office spread on social media.
Initial Scare
Rumors circulated that an armed man had entered the Livingston Building.
The building houses Murrill’s office and other state agencies.
Reports of an “active shooter” quickly triggered a lockdown.
Social media posts from inside the building fueled the panic.
Murrill later clarified the situation and assured the public there was no threat.
Law Enforcement Response
Authorities confirmed a man was detained near the State Capitol.
He was seen outside with a long gun and multiple magazines.
Law enforcement sources say he was looking for the attorney general’s office.
Officers acted swiftly and took him into custody without incident.
The man was described as calm and cooperative.
He reportedly wanted to speak to investigators and file a complaint.
Murrill’s Statement
Murrill addressed the public in posts on social media.
“There is not an active shooter in or around the Livingston Building,” she said.
Liz Murrill
She explained her office received secondhand reports of a distressed individual.
The information suggested he may have been armed with a rifle.
She emphasized the situation was under control and the building was secure.
Murrill confirmed the firearm was lawfully possessed and found in the man’s car.
Resolution
Authorities determined the man had not committed a crime.
He was released without charges following questioning.
The lockdown of the Livingston Building was lifted shortly afterward.
Murrill said the incident underscored the importance of quick communication.
She noted misinformation online worsened public fears during the event.
Her office pledged to review the response to prevent future confusion.
Background
Murrill, a Republican, was elected attorney general in 2023.
She took office in January 2024 after serving as Louisiana’s solicitor general.
Her office is responsible for handling legal matters for the state.
The Livingston Building houses several government offices in downtown Baton Rouge.
The brief scare ended without injuries or criminal charges.
