A man seen standing on John Carroll University’s main quad with a rifle Thursday morning caused concern among students and staff before the activity was identified as part of a scheduled ROTC training exercise.

The man stood motionless in the center of the quad, staring at passersby with a rifle, prompting multiple complaints to campus police. According to JCU Police Chief Jeffery Daberko, the individual was participating in routine ROTC training that typically takes place on the Hamlin Quad. “ROTC usually conducts training on the Hamlin quad on Thursday mornings and has been since the start of the academic year,” Daberko said. “This is the first time this year we have received complaints about the training.”

No alert or advance notice was sent to students, faculty or staff before the exercise, which contributed to confusion and concern when the training was observed.

Chief Daberko emphasized the importance of reporting anything that appears suspicious on campus. “If suspicious activity is observed on campus, you should contact JCUPD as soon as possible at 216-397-1234,” he said. “Please be as descriptive as possible in terms of the location of the activity, what type of activity is occurring and any description of people or vehicles involved.”

JCU PD confirmed there was no threat to campus safety related to the incident. The situation remains under review, including how future training activities are communicated to the campus community.