A night meant for celebration and camaraderie quickly turned into chaos at Morgan State University in Baltimore as gunshots rang out, leaving five people injured and sending shockwaves through the campus community. The incident occurred during a homecoming week event, leaving students and authorities searching for answers.
Terrifying Moments Unfold
Tuesday night took an unexpected and horrifying turn as gunfire erupted at Morgan State University. Four of the victims were students of the university, young individuals aged 18 to 22. Fortunately, their injuries were reported as non-life threatening, offering a glimmer of relief amidst the chaos.
The shooting unfolded as students were attending a popular homecoming week event on the campus, a renowned Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in northeast Baltimore. The sudden violence prompted urgent orders for students and faculty to shelter in place, while a SWAT team meticulously searched a student dorm building for the assailant.
Search for Suspects
Hours later, authorities made a disconcerting announcement: they had not located a suspect, and the situation was no longer classified as an active shooter incident. The lack of a suspect description and uncertainty about the number of shooters involved further intensified the mystery surrounding the incident.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley emphasized their thorough efforts, stating, “We didn’t open the campus up until our SWAT team had cleared the building where we thought the suspect may have run or where we thought the shots came from. They cleared every single floor twice.”
While the shooting occurred outside a building, detailed information about the incident remains limited. Photos from the scene, provided by CNN affiliate WJZ, depict a student dorm with a shattered upper-floor window, serving as a stark reminder of the traumatic event.
An Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation into this harrowing incident unfolds, local law enforcement, along with federal agencies, are working diligently to piece together the precise sequence of events. The Baltimore office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has joined forces with local police to search for shell casings and gather additional evidence.
Community Grapples with Fear
As the incident transpired, authorities issued warnings to the campus community to avoid the area around Thurgood Marshall Hall and the Murphy Fine Arts Center. The latter was hosting a significant event where families from across the country had gathered to witness the crowning of Mr. and Miss Morgan State University.
Morgan State University President David Wilson expressed his concern, stating, “Our students at the end of that were headed over to the Student Center to rejoice and to enjoy themselves when this unfortunate situation erupted on the campus.”
Students Speak Out
Eyewitness accounts reveal the sheer terror that unfolded during the shooting. One student, identified only as David, described the moment gunshots rang out, saying, “It was chaos.”
Another student, Jason, spoke about the initial confusion and difficulty in reaching his family during the incident. “You wanna come to university and feel safe … but things happen and it’s unfortunate that this has to happen with students,” he lamented.
Moving Forward
With approximately 9,000 students enrolled in Fall 2022, the Morgan State community is grappling with the aftermath of this traumatic event. The shooting occurred just days before a scheduled candlelight memorial service intended to honor university members who have passed away over the past year.
In response, the university has decided to cancel classes for the following day, making counselors available to students. President David Wilson expressed the need to assess the situation for the remainder of homecoming week, highlighting the importance of student safety and well-being.
As the investigation continues, students and faculty are left hoping for answers and seeking solace during these challenging times.
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