Colgate University was placed on lockdown after witnesses mistook a student's glue gun for a real firearm.

The university in Hamilton, New York, issued an alert on Twitter at around 8 pm on Monday after witnesses reported seeing an armed person at the campus center.

But an investigation found a student using the crafting tool for an art project and the all-clear was issued shortly before midnight.

A lockdown at Colgate University was lifted after a student thought to be armed with a gun was found using a glue gun for an art project

Witnesses reported seeing a person enter the O'Connor Campus Center carrying a weapon.

The liberal arts school 35 miles southeast of Syracuse issued the lockdown, warning students to 'find a safe space and remain indoors.'

Those who were off-campus were advised to 'stay away'.

But police arrived on campus and searched the school, only to find a student using a glue gun for an art project.

Shortly before midnight, the school said that state police had issued an 'all-clear.'

The false alarm prompted an array of responses, ranging from anger at the person behind the mistaken reports, to relief the students were not in danger

The false alarm prompted an array of responses, ranging from anger at the person behind the mistaken reports, to relief the students were not in danger.

Kristen Max, who identified herself as an alum, wrote on Facebook: 'I have to ask how everyone freaks out about a glue gun? Owning a glue gun, I can say it looks about as much like a gun as an ear of corn looks like an ear.'

Penny Schader Dunn also said: 'Are you going to have a mandatory session about what a REAL gun looks like? EDUCATE your students Colgate, they look like ignorant fools.'

Some questioned how anyone could mistake a glue gun (file photo) for a real firearm

Another social media user Bill-Jamie Wengert wrote: 'I am happy that students had a sense of vigilance. Sadly, the world needs it. I feel awful for the kid who was simply carrying a glue gun, however.'

Robert A. Brand IV echoed the sentiment, saying: 'Great job Colgate, took it seriously, investigated and resolved the issue. Thanks for protecting the kids.

'My son will be a student next year and I am very happy how this situation was handled. Better to be safe than sorry in today's world.'

College officials say they'll investigate the events leading to the lockdown.