Editor’s note: The below press release was provided by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office.

On January 23, 2026, at approximately 2:52 pm, the Rock County Communication Center received a report of shots being fired from the area of the UW Whitewater-Rock County campus, 2909 Kellogg Av, in the city of Janesville. Law enforcement personnel from multiple agencies responded.

The first units arrived at approximately 2:59 pm and began entering the campus and securing the area. The campus was locked down but due to the campus schedule, there were limited staff and students present. An initial search of the campus was completed at approximately 3:54 pm. A secondary search was completed at approximately 5:18 pm. No one was injured, and there was no evidence located to suggest shots were fired on campus. The scene was turned back over to UW staff. Preliminary investigation indicates the source of the shots call was believed to be from a person setting off fireworks near the campus.

The City of Janesville Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, UW-Whitewater Police Department, Town of Beloit Police Department, City of Janesville Fire Department, and Mercy Hospital’s MD-1 all responded. We want to thank our first responder partners and the staff at the Rock County Communication Center who assisted during this incident for their quick responses, as personnel struggled through dangerous temperatures on one of the coldest days of winter.

The investigation is ongoing, but there is no danger to the public at this time.

CURTIS N. FELL
SHERIFF