Campus chef bringing knife to work prompts shelter-in-place at MRU
Posted Apr 13, 2026 4:14 pm.
Last Updated Apr 13, 2026 7:52 pm.
A shelter‑in‑place at Calgary’s Mount Royal University on Monday afternoon was lifted after it was determined that a man carrying a knife was actually a campus chef on his way to work.
Police say the incident began around 2:45 p.m., when a witness reported seeing someone with a large knife at the campus in southwest Calgary.
Officers responded, contained the area, confirmed the witness account, and issued a shelter‑in‑place shortly before 4 p.m. for the university and nearby residents.
During the investigation, police learned the suspect was a chef. After verifying that he was an employee bringing the knife to work, police lifted the shelter‑in‑place order.
Despite the explanation, police say charges are still possible and the employee was taken into custody.
“That obviously doesn’t excuse it, people need to use common sense when carrying a knife into a public area,” said CPS Insp. Darren Smith.
The staff member could face counts of public mischief and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public.
Amar Shah, a CityNews reporter who also teaches at the school details how those on campus were made aware of what was going on.
“Initially we got a campus-wide email and were basically told to shelter-in-place,” he said. “But, there wasn’t necessarily a panic on campus, the students were staying in classes where they were, and some other were going about their business.”
Questions around timing of shelter-in-place
Smith added that issuing a shelter‑in‑place is always a judgment call. Police were on campus for almost an hour before asking people to shelter.
“It’s always a balance between ensuring public safety and not causing a panic,” he said when asked about the timing of the alert.
Seventeen police units and an estimated 30 to 40 officers responded to the call.
“We understand the stress this incident has caused our students and employees and are grateful for this positive outcome,” reads a statement from Mount Royal University.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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