Penn State shooting: Two dead after shooter opens fire at university's Beaver campus, say reports

No students were reportedly involved

An aerial view of the Penn State satellite campus (Google)

Multiple shots have reportedly been fired near a dining hall at a Penn State satellite campus in Pittsburgh, and a coroner is on the scene to attend to two reported deaths.

Officials confirmed the shots were fired and deaths, and an alert was sent to students just before 4 p.m. local time Wednesday. The alert asked students to avoid the Student Union building and food area, but said that there is "no threat at this time".

Police said that they suspect the deaths were the result of a murder-suicide, and involved a university employee. The shooter, officials believe, may have been an estranged husband to the victim.

"The situation is under control. We do believe this was a murder-suicide. This is not an active shooter situation. There is no threat to the public at this time," a Pennsylvania State Police officer told local reporters.

No students were reportedly involved.

Students received an email from the chancellor of the campus, Jennifer Cushman, telling them that an investigation was underway.

"There was a tragic act of violence at Penn State Beaver this afternoon which did not involve students. Our thoughts are with all who have been affected," she wrote. "Please know that the threat has ended, and that your safety and security remain our number one priority. Our campus police are vigilant, please avoid the student union building and food services area until further notice."

"A police investigation is underway and additional details will be released as they become available," the letter continued. "We understand this is a traumatic event for our campus community."