The University campus came to a halt around noon Monday after LSU Police Department officers responded to reports of a suspicious package sitting on a bench outside of Middleton Library.
The package, which was later identified as an empty black suitcase, caused an evacuation of the library.
A group of several hundred students watched for nearly an hour as LSUPD officers patrolled the area. A remote-controlled robot appeared around 1:30 p.m. and removed the suitcase from the area.
The area was given an all-clear after police discovered the suitcase was empty, said Capt. Cory Lalonde, LSUPD spokesman.
Students were overheard complaining about how long the investigation was taking, as many were not allowed to study in the library.
The main entrance of the computer-based testing lab in Himes Hall was blocked off by police, but alternate entrances were available during that time, said David O’Brien, assistant director at the Centers for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.
O’Brien said the testing center would be accommodating to students who may have been confused and missed exams.
The situation dissolved around 2 p.m., when students were allowed to return to Middleton Library and the blocked-off areas of the Quad were reopened.
 
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Contact Brian Sibille at [email protected]