Update (Aug. 25, 2026): This news release has been updated to include additional information about the suspicious device and the circumstances surrounding the incident. 

URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Police investigators determined the suspicious device that prompted Monday evening’s Illini-Alert was an inert device, specifically a non-explosive cast iron replica grenade paperweight inadvertently left behind by a student after class.

While officers were on scene, a student who received the Illini-Alert approached police and explained that the item found in the classroom may have belonged to them.

The student told investigators they had used the cast iron paperweight to hold down papers during class. Students left their belongings in the classroom before moving outside for the remainder of the class period, and the student did not return afterward to retrieve the paperweight and other items.

When the professor later returned to the classroom, they noticed the replica grenade and contacted police. The report prompted an Illini-Alert and response from the East Central Illinois Bomb Squad, whose technicians examined the device and determined it was non-explosive.

After speaking with the student and investigating the circumstances, UIPD determined there was no intent to cause alarm and no danger to the campus community. The student was released without charges.

The University of Illinois Police Department appreciates the professor for promptly reporting a suspicious item and the student for coming forward to help officers quickly determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“We want people to call us when they see something that doesn’t look right,” said University of Illinois Police Chief Matt Ballinger. “In this case, it turned out there was no danger, and that’s the outcome we hope for. We would much rather investigate something harmless than have someone hesitate to report something that could pose a real threat to our campus community.”

Original news release:

URBANA, Ill. – Campus was deemed safe Monday evening after University of Illinois Police investigated a suspicious device at Temple Hoyne Buell Hall, 611 Lorado Taft Drive, Urbana. 

UIPD officers were dispatched to Temple Hoyne Buell Hall around 5:22 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, after an employee reported finding what appeared to be a grenade on their desk. 

Responding officers evacuated the building and the surrounding area. An Illini-Alert emergency notification was issued to all students, faculty and staff. 

The East Central Illinois Bomb Squad (ECIBS), which includes officers from both the University of Illinois Police Department and the Champaign Police Department, was dispatched to further analyze the device. 

ECIBS technicians examined the device and determined it was a non-explosive replica. 

Police issued the “all-clear” Illini-Alert after confirming there was no ongoing threat and that the scene was safe to re-enter. 

The University of Illinois Police Department appreciates the attentiveness of the employee who initially alerted officers to the device. Police often rely on the assessment of people who are more frequently present in a certain area to determine whether something is unusual or out of the ordinary, since they are more familiar with the specific places where they work or live.

Community members are always encouraged to report suspicious activity to the police if they notice anything out of place.

The University of Illinois Police Department is grateful for the swift response of the East Central Illinois Bomb Squad, Urbana Fire Department and Carle Arrow Ambulance. We appreciate our public safety partners throughout Champaign County who respond quickly to ongoing incidents and help keep our campus community safe.

The investigation is ongoing, and UIPD investigators and Real-Time Information Center analysts are reviewing security camera footage from the area. Police continue to seek evidence or information from witnesses that may help identify and locate the individual who placed the device in the building.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the University of Illinois Police Department at 217-333-1216. Witnesses may remain anonymous by calling Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477 (373-TIPS), visiting 373tips.com or providing information through the P3 Tips mobile app available on iOS and Android. All messages to Crime Stoppers are electronically stripped of identifying information and forwarded to police by an independent third party.