A piece of equipment that was mistaken for a firearm prompted a lockdown at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury Monday.

A person thought to be carrying a long rifle turned out to be a campus media services employee carrying a microphone stand, officials say.

During the lockdown, people were evacuated and others sheltered in place, according to an emergency alert that was posted on WCSU's website.

The scare prompted Danbury Public Schools and Abbott Tech to go into lockdown as multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the campus. A drone was used in a search of the area, and police K-9s were also at the scene.

After questioning the worker and searching the area, authorities determined there was no threat and the all-clear was given.

"Better to be safe than sorry if it was a rifle, you know?" says Albert Hyka, who works near the campus.

Monday evening classes were being held as scheduled.