BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Editor's note: The above report originally aired April 18, 2021.
BGSU officials have responded to reports of a second incident of firearms openly carried on campus in the past three days.
A photo circulated on social media showing two men carrying guns on campus Tuesday.
BGSU said there is no current threat as the men are no longer on campus.
BGSU first commented on Twitter about the incident, saying that concealing a firearm is in violation of university policy and Ohio Revised Code, but that the activity on Tuesday "is not unlawful."
The university also noted, "In light of the tragic incidents happening across the nation, we understand people may have concern."
When reached for comment, a spokesperson for BGSU directed WTOL 11 to the university's Tweets.
Late Tuesday night, BGSU President Rodney Rogers sent an email to students, which was obtained by WTOL 11.
"In response to Sunday's incident, two individuals came onto campus this afternoon, openly carrying firearms to demonstrate their rights under state law, which supersedes BGSU policies. They gave BGSU Police advance notification of their activity late this morning. While concealing a firearm on campus is a violation of our policy and Ohio Revised Code, today's activity involving open carry is not unlawful. BGSU Police monitored their activity while on campus to ensure there was no physical threat, and our officers engaged both individuals in a conversation and understanding of the law," the email read.
On Sunday, students were warned to stay inside when a man was seen with a gun on campus. The individual was taken into custody by police and charged with inducing panic. BGSU stressed it was not an active shooting situation as no one was injured and no shots were fired.
Unlike Sunday's incident, the university did not post a warning to students on Twitter. The situation was not acknowledged until the university's statement posted to Twitter following the incident.
"On Sunday, BGSU Police issued an emergency BGAlert, because of the reported activity of waving a firearm, which led to the charge of inducing panic. While today's activity was different, the weight of this concern does not go unrecognized. These individuals did not need our permission to openly carry, and they did not break the law," Rogers wrote. "I certainly recognize that this brings a range of opinions and emotions. For those who want to see change about open carry at state universities, contact your Ohio state representative or state senator and make your voice heard. However, when we speak to this moment, your physical safety was never compromised, and BGSU Police responded to this activity."
BGSU's Policy on Firearms, Deadly Weapons, and Dangerous Ordinance, reads that with some exceptions, including police and ROTC, "no person shall possess, store or use a firearm, deadly weapon or dangerous ordinance as defined in the Ohio Revised Code, in and/or on university owned, rented and/or sponsored property except where specifically permitted."
According to the policy, CCT permit holders may "may lock firearms in motor vehicles parked on the campus."
It was not acknowledged if either man involved in Tuesday's incident was considered an exception under the university's policy.
The policy was first implemented in 2015.
"These recent open carry incidents may lead to more on our campuses. These individuals are demonstrating and seeking attention," Rogers later writes in the email. "When given advance notice, we will ensure you are aware."
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