Elim was in lockdown Wednesday morning as Alaska State Troopers on the ground investigated calls of “shots fired.”
Trooper spokesperson Beth Ipsen said Troopers in Nome received reports of three shots being fired in Elim between 6:30 and 7 a.m. Ipsen said there were no witnesses to the shots and there was no information on a suspect or suspects.
Locals described a community-wide lockdown, including the school and the community health clinic, but Ipsen said Troopers had not issued any lockdown order. Officials and the Elim City Office would not provide any additional details.
It was unknown if anyone was targeted in the shooting, or if anyone was injured from the shots, but both Troopers and residents on the ground said there had been no reports of any injuries as of Wednesday afternoon.
Bering Strait School District Superintendent Brett Agenbroad said the Elim principal was “given the all-clear” shortly before 1 p.m. Agenbroad said the Elim school day would continue as normal with a slightly modified lunch schedule.
Nome Trooper Jonnathon Stroebele and the Elim Village Public Safety officer remained in Elim Wednesday afternoon searching for the person—or persons—involved in the shooting. Ipsen said the situation “appears to have calmed down” but Troopers and the VPSO are continuing to investigate.
This is a developing story. Listen to KNOM Update News and visit KNOM.org for updates.
