University of Maryland News

 Dear members of the University of Maryland community:

Today is a tragic day for our beloved University community.  We are all shocked and deeply saddened by this morning’s events.  I extend my sincere sympathy and prayers to the families and friends of the victims, all University of Maryland students.

The police investigation of this matter is ongoing.   All appropriate University resources, including our own University Police Department, are assisting the Prince George’s County Police Department.

On February 12, shortly before 1 a.m., PGPD police officers responded to the 8700 block of 36th Avenue, College Park, Md. for a shooting.  Once police officers arrived on scene, they found three men at the location, all of whom had been shot. 

The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, who lives at the location, started a fire in the basement. Two roommates went downstairs to see what was happening.  All three individuals left the home and went outside to the front of the home where the suspect began shooting.  He shot one of the individuals and then shot the second roommate as he attempted to flee the scene.  The suspect then went to the back of the home where he fatally shot himself.

One victim was pronounced dead at a local hospital and the second victim sustained non-life threatening injuries.  A weapon was recovered at the scene. Police are no longer looking for any other suspects. PGPD is still in the process of trying to notify the students’ families.

As we mourn this incredible loss, community and support are essential to the healing process.  The University is committed to doing everything possible to provide assistance for students, faculty and staff during this difficult time. 

The West Chapel is open today for reflection and a chaplain is available until 5:00 p.m.  A Community Memorial Gathering is planned at the Chapel tonight at 7:00 p.m., and I hope you will join me there. 

There are several resources available on-campus for emotional support, including:

• The Counseling Center in Shoemaker Hall. Contact them at: 301-314-7651.  Their hours of availability are Monday -Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  
• The Mental Health Service in the Health Center.  Contact them at 301-314-8106.  Their hours of availability are Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  
• Campus Chaplains; they can be reached at 301-314-9893 or at: Stamp Student Union
  

I ask that the entire University family come together to deal with this great loss.  Ours is a university of great resolve.  Together, we will emerge from our collective sadness.

Sincerely,

Wallace D. Loh
President, University of Maryland