Statement Regarding Campus Incident

November 10, 2024

Contact:  Thonnia Lee, Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing

  

UPDATE: °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ Will Cancel Classes for the Remainder of the Week
Posted 11/12/24, 7:37pm (CST)

Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO of °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ, has met with parents, students, faculty and staff this week during Town Hall sessions to allow each group to express their concerns after the tragedy this weekend. 

He was intently focused on the safety concerns and the need for continued mental health support. 

As a result, classes will be canceled for the remainder of the week to give students an extended period of healing. They are reminded to take advantage of the mental health services available either in person or virtually to help them process this experience. Students have access to counselors 24/7 by calling 855-850-4301 and should use that service as needed or contact Student Health. 

Faculty and staff, who are also asked to be mindful of their mental health needs, are asked to return to campus on Wednesday. Employee insurance includes an employee assistance program (EAP) through ComPsych. 

The administration is coordinating additional security procedures and the process and method for completing instruction for the remainder of the semester.  Additional updates will be provided as soon as they are available.

UPDATE: Vehicles at the Crime Scene
Posted 11/11/24, 1:31pm (CST)

All cars/vehicles that are part of the investigation must remain there and are subject to search as part of the ongoing law enforcement investigation.

UPDATE: Suspect in Custody, University Will Close Campus Monday and Tuesday for Mental Health Days
Posted 11/11/24, 5:53am (CST)

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has made an arrest in the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ campus shooting that occurred early Sunday.

°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ is working with ALEA as they continue the investigation. In support of the investigation and to provide space for mental health days the university will close Monday and Tuesday for students, faculty and staff. Only essential employees – such as food services, campus police and the Facilities team – are required to be on campus Monday and Tuesday.

To support students, faculty and staff during this time, the university will provide in-person and virtual grief counselors. The university will also coordinate Town Halls with President Mark A. Brown for students and another for faculty and staff. The details will be shared in a follow-up note this morning.

Students have access to counselors 24/7 by calling 855-850-4301 and should use that service as needed or contact Student Health. Employee insurance includes an employee assistance program (EAP) through ComPsych.

In an abundance of caution, only the Lincoln gate will be open for vehicle or foot traffic. Everyone will be required to show a university ID to gain access to campus. Expect delays at the main entrance as IDs are required for entry. It is required that students, faculty and staff wear their IDs at all times while on campus. If you don’t have one, the team will be in the Public Safety building across from the main gate to provide one.

While law enforcement officers continue their investigation, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to share it anonymously through their hotline: 334-215-7067.

As we navigate this challenge as a family, keep your classmates in mind as some work to heal physically and mentally from this event. The same applies to faculty and staff. The university experienced an exceptional Homecoming weekend, and this event has tarnished it. Asking for help is a sign of strength and not weakness. Standing strong together is also the Tuskegee Way.

UPDATE: Tuskegee Cancels Classes on Monday
Posted 11/10/24, 1:23pm (CST)

°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ is working with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency as it continues to investigate the shooting on campus early Sunday. All classes will be canceled on Monday to ensure the officers and their law enforcement partners are able to continue the investigation as easily as possible. The administration joins the students in mourning the event after such a joyous weekend and will provide grief counselors on Monday in the chapel for students who would like to come together to discuss what has happened. Students should not hesitate to reach out for help through the Student Health Center if they chose to do so privately.

UPDATE: °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ Lifts Shelter in Place
Posted 11/10/24, 9:03am (CST)

°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ students are now allowed to resume activities on campus, but are asked to avoid the West Commons area as university officials work with Alabama law enforcement who are investigating the overnight incident. 

The university will provide counselors for students and asks that if students have information about the overnight shooting to report that to campus police. Additional updates will be provided as available. 

ORIGINAL MESSAGE: Statement Regarding Campus Incident
Posted 11/10/24, 6:34am (CST)

°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ confirms that a shooting occurred on campus early Sunday morning, Nov. 10, resulting in the death of a non-university individual. The parents of this individual have been notified. Several others including °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Êͼ¹ÒÅÆ students were injured and are receiving treatment at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery.

Emergency responders, along with campus and local law enforcement, have secured the scene. The Alabama Bureau of Investigations is conducting an active investigation.

The university is in the process of completing student accountability and notifying parents. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

  

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