Yesterday morning, homecoming day turned tragic at Worcester State University when gunshots erupted on campus, resulting in one death and an injury. This incident leads to an enforced campus-wide lockdown and the cancellation of all events.
As per CBS News, the shooting occurred near a campus parking garage around 2:44 a.m. Both victims were rushed to UMass Medical Center where one succumbed to their injuries. District Attorney Joseph Early of Worcester County clarified in a press conference that this was not a random shooting, and all involved parties were acquainted. Notably, neither victims nor supposed culprits were Worcester State University students. This incident was catalyzed by an underlying disagreement, not an active shooter. Police detained an individual near the crime scene under the charges of firearm possession and trespassing but has not yet identified them as the suspect.
The shocking occurrence of a shooting on their campus left students in a state of disbelief. The Boston Herald published student reactions, with one, Marcus Oliver, expressing "I was just in shock. I could not process that." Isaac Tyson, another student, shared that he witnessed an altercation in the parking lot and heard the gunshots yet felt relatively secure on campus. He stated, "I feel safe for the most part."
To ensure student safety, the university implemented a shelter in place order, lifting it at 9:28 a.m. Students were also urged to inform the University Police of any suspicious activities. All campus events, including homecoming and family weekend were cancelled in response to the incident. University Police Officer Jason Kapurch reassured the community stating, "Right now, we believe the campus is safe."
The university is providing counseling services to students, while the police investigation continues. District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. requested the public to assist in providing any information related to the incident, as mentioned in another Boston Herald article.
