Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include new information from the University of Memphis Police Department clarifying the cause of the fire alarm.
The Aux Cord Wars event at the University of Memphis was abruptly shut down Wednesday night after a fire alarm was pulled, forcing students to evacuate the Rose Theatre during one of Homecoming Week's most anticipated events.
Memphis-born rapper K Carbon made a surprise appearance and was in the middle of her performance when the alarm went off, cutting the set short and prompting students to exit the venue. Campus police later confirmed that no fire or emergency threat was found; however, the event was still shut down shortly after.
Officials are still investigating the incident, which some believe may have been caused by a student intentionally pulling the alarm. The Student Activities Council who hosted the event nor the university has released a statement yet.
The event, which puts contestants in a competition to win the crowd over with their playlists, drew a packed house before the interruption. Disciplinary action or criminal charges could follow once the individual responsible is identified.
This is an ongoing story and will be updated.
Update (Oct. 23, 2025):
University of Memphis police confirmed Thursday that the fire alarm at the Aux Cord Wars event was triggered by smoke machines used during the performance, not by a student.
The alarm caused an evacuation and early shutdown of the event, but no fire or safety threat was found. Campus police said the smoke from stage effects set off the detectors inside the Rose Theatre.
No disciplinary action will be taken, and the event will not be rescheduled.
