Evacuation ends at McGill University campus after police declare no threat
Montreal police have given the all-clear to return to three buildings at McGill University's downtown campus that were evacuated this morning for a suspicious package that turned out to be an empty suitcase.
People were asked to leave the Dawson Hall, McCall MacBain Arts Building and Leacock Building as a precaution. Morning classes at these buildings were also cancelled.
Montreal police received a 911 call around 7:30 a.m. for the potential threat near McGill College Avenue and Sherbrooke Street West. Police said their tactical team arrived on scene and analyzed the situation.
Police say the package turned out to be an empty metallic hard shell suitcase left outside one of the buildings.
They are investigating to see whether this was a case of a forgotten suitcase or if it was intentionally left there to cause alarm. The latter could lead to charges of mischief if officers found the person responsible, police say.
A wide perimeter was set up in the area but the campus and other buildings remained open. The incident was declared over shortly before 11 a.m.
McGill University says access to the buildings is now permitted and classes will gradually resume as scheduled.
