One faculty member shot dead in a shooting incident at the University of North Carolina. Photo Courtesy: X video grab
Police have taken a suspect in custody after a shooting incident at the University of North Carolina in the US town of Chapel Hill left a faculty member dead.
Shots were reported fired at 1:02 p.m. ET at the school’s Caudill Laboratories, and a suspect was taken into custody shortly after 2:30 p.m., Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz was quoted as saying by CNN at a Monday evening news conference.
#UNC will open a hotline starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday for concerned parents, loved ones and community members who have questions. The number is 919-918-1999
— UNC-Chapel Hill (@UNC) August 29, 2023
The name of the deceased faculty member and the suspect was not known immediately.
UNC Police Chief Brian James told CNN that the motive behind the attack was not known immediately.
“We really want to know the ‘why’ in this case and what led to it,” James said.
The gun used in the shooting has not been found, the chief added.
He said it was still not clear whether the attacker and the deceased previously knew each other.
Following the incident, classes and campus activities were suspended.
I'm devastated the #UNC community lost a faculty member in an act of violence on campus. Carolina will move into Condition 2 - classes will be canceled tomorrow and all non-mandatory operations are suspended. Tar Heels, know that support is available. https://t.co/YL5sl9EHf1
— Kevin Guskiewicz (@KevinGuskiewicz) August 28, 2023
In a statement, the university said: "I am grieved to report that one of our faculty members was killed in this shooting. We are waiting for confirmation that the next of kin has been contacted before we share more information."
Speaking on the cancellation of classes, the statement mentioned: "In response, we have cancelled classes and all campus events for the rest of the day on Monday, Aug. 28 and Tuesday, Aug. 29. The campus is moving to Condition 2 until midnight tomorrow."