Alert issued, roads are closed on U's East Bank

Roads near the Graduate Hotel on Washington Avenue on the University of Minnesota's East Bank have been shut down due to "public safety situation," according to a spokeswoman for the university and Minneapolis police.
The U sent a series of text and email messages to alert students, faculty and staff of the situation around 5:50 a.m. Monday, but the alert offered no details as to what triggered it.
Officers have been on the scene on the 600 block of Washington Avenue since about midnight. He said officers have made contact with an individual in a hotel room, but Minneapolis police spokesman Scott Seroka was unable to provide additional information.
The alert also said the Rec and Wellness Center had been closed and motorists were not being allowed to access the Washington Avenue Ramp.
"Please avoid these areas," the U said in a tweet.
Motorists who have contract parking for the Washington Avenue ramp are being told to park in the 4th Street, East River Road or Oak Street parking facilities.
Metro Transit said buses and trains were operating as normal in the area.