University of North Carolina in Lockdown Following Shooting that Kills 1 Faculty Member
A tragic incident unfolded on Monday at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, where a faculty member lost their life in a shooting incident that prompted an immediate lockdown across the campus, per NBC News.
UNC-Chapel Hill officials reported that an "armed and dangerous person" was on the loose, initiating a comprehensive search operation.
A suspect was apprehended roughly an hour and a half following the UNC shooting.
Subsequently, an all-clear signal was issued for the campus, indicating that the immediate threat had been neutralized.
No additional injuries were reported, apart from the fatality of the UNC-Chapel Hill faculty member.
During a briefing on Monday afternoon, UNC Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz shared that they were deeply saddened by the tragedy and that efforts would be made to restore the trust and safety of the campus community.
The identity of the faculty member was withheld from the public pending family notification.
Additionally, the suspect's name has not been disclosed due to the absence of formal charges.
READ NEXT: North Carolina Is Luring Disney World to Abandon Florida
UNC Shooting Motives Still Unknown
The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill incident unfolded when shots were reported at around 1:02 pm ET on Monday.
The swift response of law enforcement led to the apprehension of a suspect approximately 90 minutes later, as shared by Guskiewicz during a news conference held on Monday evening.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and UNC Police Chief Brian James emphasized the importance of uncovering the reasons behind the tragic incident.
Chief James mentioned that they are striving to understand the circumstances that led to this event, including any potential connection between the victim and the assailant.
Although a suspect was captured, the weapon used in the shooting has not been located.
Authorities are working diligently to gather evidence and information, including interviews with witnesses and the suspect, to comprehensively understand the incident.
The loss of a f UNC-Chapel Hill faculty member has profoundly impacted the university community.
As a result of the incident, classes and campus activities were canceled for Monday and Tuesday.
Amid the alert period, the university police instructed students to promptly seek shelter indoors, secure windows and doors, and remain in place until further instructions, as conveyed in an email.
A witness on the campus informed CNN that they were confined within their building and witnessed armed officers conducting searches throughout the campus.
Chapel Hill Mayor Roy Cooper, NC Gov. Roy Cooper Release Statement Following UNC Shooting
The tragic events at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill resonated beyond the campus, affecting the local community and state officials.
Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger expressed her sorrow, acknowledging the profound disruption the incident had caused in the lives of students, faculty, and staff, per CBS News.
She also extended her sympathy to the children, teachers, and staff who faced the unsettling experience of lockdown on the first day of school.
Canceling classes and campus events for the remainder of Monday and Tuesday underscored the significance of prioritizing safety and allowing time for the community to process and heal.
Surrounding schools also responded to the evolving situation, announcing that students could safely leave once the "all-clear" signal was given.
Governor Roy Cooper offered his support and resources to address the situation. He communicated his commitment to aiding law enforcement efforts to locate the suspected shooter and ensure the safety of the UNC campus.
READ MORE: California: 2 Stabbed After Brawl Erupted
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: UNC-Chapel Hill shooting kills 1; suspect arrested, police say | Elizabeth Vargas Reports - From NewsNation