Late at night on Sunday, Nov. 13, a gunman fatally shot three University of Virginia students, as well as wounded two others, according to authorities. As of 10 a.m. on Nov. 14, police in Charlottesville are still searching for the gunman, who they claim is “armed and dangerous.”
On Monday, Nov. 14, UVA President Jim Ryan sent out an email to the student body. “This is a message any leader hopes never to have to send, and I am devastated that this violence has visited the University of Virginia,” Ryan wrote. He continued, “I am holding the victims, their families, and all members of the University of Virginia community in my heart today, and we will make plans to come together as a community to grieve as soon as the suspect is apprehended.” Ryan also announced classes would be canceled on Nov. 14 and urged students to shelter in place.
Here are some ways to help the University of Virginia and support its students.
- Share social media accounts that are posting updates.
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As the situation remains active, social media accounts are posting updates, and it can be helpful to reshare these developments on your social media, too. The official University of Virginia Instagram account has been sharing updates, as well as resources for University of Virginia students. The account also shared that family and friends can call an emergency hotline number at (877) 685-4836.
On Twitter, the official account for the UVA Police Department has also been posting important updates, as well as the official University of Virginia account and the UVA Emergency Management account.
- Donate to any crowdfunds.
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As of 10 a.m. on Nov. 14, there are no active crowdfunds available offering relief for University of Virginia students. However, if one becomes available, consider donating to help offer relief and support for students and anyone else affected by this tragedy.
- If you’re a UVA student, know there are resources available to you.
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In his email to the student body, Ryan shared there are resources available to students. He said, “Students may call Counseling and Psychological Services at (434) 243-5150, 24 hours a day. Information about CAPS is available on the Student Health and Wellness website.”
Students can also sign up to get text alert updates by texting “UVA” to 226787.
- Find larger ways to get involved in gun violence prevention.
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As of Nov. 14, 2022, there have been nearly 600 mass shootings in the U.S. this year, according to The Gun Violence Archive. If you’re feeling defeated or helpless, you’re not alone — and there are other ways to help call for action against gun violence. Donating to nonprofit organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety and contacting your local representatives are just a couple of ways to get involved.
- Take care of yourself and others.
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Whether you’re a student at the University of Virginia or not, any school shooting is a scary and tragic event. If you’re a college student and are feeling scared, anxious, defeated, or anything else today, make sure to take care of yourself — whatever that may look like for you. Reach out to friends and family for help, or check out mental health resources your school has available to you. Also make sure to check in on your peers, too.