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Culture > News

Two Dead, Four Injured After Shooting On University of North Carolina at Charlotte Campus

Emily Veith

Two people have been killed and another four have been injured after a shooting took place on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), according to Mecklenburg Emergency Medical Service Agency.

According to a news conference Tuesday night, three of the injured victims are in critical condition, and the fourth victim has non-life-threatening injuries, CNN reports.

Police have not yet identified the deceased victims as they wait to notify family members, ABC News reports. 

At approximately 5:40 p.m. local time, shots were fired on the campus. Police dispatch had received calls that reporting a suspect was armed and had shot several students. Officers responded to the scene and were able to enter the building where the shooter was located and disarmed him. The suspect did not say anything to police as officers took him into custody. 

The university’s Office of Emergency Management posted on Twitter shortly before 6 p.m. local time that “Shots [were] reported near kennedy” and urged people to “Run, Hide, Fight. Secure yourself immediately.”

The suspected shooter, a UNC Charlotte male student, is now in custody, authorities told ABC affiliate WSOC-TV. Police added that there was “no reason to believe anyone else involved.”

Police have not yet identified the shooter, but said he was not someone on their radar. 

UNC Charlotte’s Office of Emergency Management tweeted that the school was on lockdown. The university, which has about 30,000 students, advised students to remain in a safe location as law enforcement officers sweep the affected buildings.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Police are assisting university police with the case.

Students who were in the library described hiding under desks, while others called family.

In a phone interview with NBC News, Tristan Field, 19, said he was in the Kennedy building where final presentations were being given when he heard six or seven gunshots ring out from the opposite side of the room. He did not see the gunman or hear him say anything, adding, “He just started shooting.” Field, his fellow students and the professor fled to an adjacent building where they remained until police escorted them out of the building. 

Jordan Pearce, a 19-year-old UNC Charlotte student, told NBC News that she was on the second floor of the library working on a final project due Tuesday night when she saw students running.

Initially thinking it was a prank, Pearce said an announcement over the intercom warned: “Active shooter, stay away from windows and hide.”

Police officers entered the building and told all remaining students in the library to leave, according to Pearce, who said she and fellow students “all grabbed our stuff and ran out.”

In a video posted to Twitter by Pearce, people can be seen fleeing from the campus library as police quickly rushed to the scene. A photo posted by Peace shows glass shattered on the floor of the building from the door.

U.S. Rep. Alma S. Adams (D-NC) tweeted, “I’m devastated by the events at UNC Charlotte. I’m praying for the victims, their loved ones, and the entire UNCC community tonight. This senseless violence has to stop.”

In a statement on Twitter, Gov. Roy Cooper said he has been briefed by state law enforcement on the situation and was monitoring it.

“Individuals in Charlotte should stay safe and listen to local officials,” Cooper said.

According to the university’s academic calendar, Tuesday was the last day of classes, with exams set to begin on Thursday.

UNC Charlotte Police and Charlotte Mecklenburg Police have established a family reunification center at the Harris Teeter at 8600 University City Blvd.

Emily has also authored political articles for Restless Magazine and numerous inspirational and empowering pieces for Project Wednesday. When she isn't writing, she can be found flying off to her next adventure, attempting new recipes, listening to one of her infinite playlists on Spotify, or cuddling with her dogs. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter @emilycveith.