Authorities said that after responding to reports of a suspicious person on campus, two brave officers died.
Campus Police Officer John Painter and Campus Safety Officer J.J Jefferson were killed during a shooting incident at Bridgewater College Campus on Tuesday afternoon February 1, 2022. School officials said that multiple agencies responded to Bridgewater College following a report of an active shooter around 1:20 pm.
According to Virginia State Police spokesperson Corina Geller, after the two officers respond to a call of a suspicious male individual on the grounds of the college’s Memorial Hall, the suspect opened fire and shoot both officers.
Geller said: “The suspect fled on foot and was apprehended about a half-hour later off-campus. Officers followed the suspect after he waded into the North River, onto an island in the river, and he was taken into custody without any incident.”
The shooter was identified by authorities as 27-year-old Alexander Wyatt Campbell, of Ashland, Virginia.point 205 |
He has been charged with 4 felonies: 2 counts of capital murder, 1 count of first-degree murder, and 1 count of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, according to Geller he is being held without bond at the Rockingham County Jail.point 196 | 1
Campbell was already treated for a non-fatal wound, it is unclear if he was shot by Painter, who was the only one of the 2 officers armed, or if it was self-inflicted. Geller said: “Multiple firearms associated with Campbell were recovered on and off-campus and seized as evidence.”
A lot of agencies including the Virginia State Police, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Officers, the Harrisonburg Police Department, and the FBI also sent agents to the scene by 4:33 pm. The university gave an all-clear message on its website.
David Bushman, the College President said: “Today our campus community experienced unspeakable tragedy. Two members of the Bridgewater College family were senselessly and violently taken from us.”
“This is a sad and dark day for Bridgewater College. I know we all have so many questions and not many answers. The officers were known as the dynamic duo and were close friends. Painter was Jefferson’s best man in his wedding this year,” he added.
In respect and the memories of the two brave officers, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin ordered that all flags in the state must be flown at half-staff Wednesday. In a statement on social media Youngkin, said he had been briefed on the situation and will continue to monitor the situation in conjunction with law enforcement.
Virginia State Police did not comment on Campbell’s relationship to the college but Geller said several college employees called 911 after seeing the suspect in and around Memorial Hall.
Geller said that Campbell was not supposed to be in that particular location. A motive was still unclear and still under investigation, but Campbell is the lone suspect, police said it is unclear if he has an attorney.
Ted Flory, Bridgewater Mayor, said: “The community is shocked by today’s senseless violence. We are heartbroken by the needless injuries and loss of life. And we are rightly angered at the evil which alighted upon us.”
“But even in our grief, we turn our heads and we see the goodness of humanity, police officers running towards the danger, rescue personnel rushing in, and neighbors keeping each other safe,” he added.
President Joe Biden also reacted to the incident on Twitter Tuesday night, saying: “Another senseless shooting has taken the lives of two brave officers. Jill and I are praying for the families of those lost. Gun violence against law enforcement officers is sickening, and it must end.”
President Biden plans to travel to New York City on Thursday to discuss gun violence with Mayor Eric Adams after 2 NYPD officers were killed in the line of duty last month.
As of 2021, 1,500 full-time students were enrolled in the said school, but in 2022, 1,800 has been enrolled as full-time students, Bridgewater is known as a small private liberal arts college. Classes were canceled for Wednesday. School officials said they will provide information soon on grief counseling and other forms of support.
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