A Bridgewater College campus law enforcement officer and campus safety officer were shot and killed Tuesday and a man identified by Virginia State Police as Alexander Wyatt Campbell, 27 was taken into custody by law enforcement following an earlier active shooter situation and large police and emergency responder presence at the school.
According to an email sent to the college community from Bridgewater College President David Bushman, campus police officer John Painter and safety officer J.J. Jefferson died from their injuries. Read more HERE and HERE
According to VSP spokesperson Corinne Geller, Campbell as spotted on campus and as approached by Officer Painter and Jefferson and was startled. Campbell then opened fire, hitting Painter and Jefferson and fled the scene. Officers Painter and Jefferson succumbed to their injuries. Campbell was arrested near campus a few minutes later. He suffered minor injuries from a gunshot wound. As of Tuesday evening, it was unclear whether the wound was self inflicted or if Campbell had been fired upon by Officer Painter. Safety Officer Jefferson did not have a side arm according to VSP.
Campbell is being held without bond at Rockingham County Jail and has been charged with multiple felonies.
Classes at Bridgewater College have been cancelled for Wed. A determination about the rest of the week will be made later.
Here's the full text of the message sent out from Bridgewater College President David Bushman
Today our campus community experienced unspeakable tragedy. Two members of the Bridgewater College family were senselessly and violently taken from us. The sadness is palpable. Words are not adequate, not nearly so, to express the grief, sadness, fear and—justifiably—the anger we all feel.
Campus Police Officer John Painter and Campus Safety Officer J.J. Jefferson were shot and killed on campus while protecting us. These officers were close friends, known to many of us as the “dynamic duo.” John was J.J.’s best man in his wedding this year. They were beloved by students, faculty and staff. I hurt for their families and loved ones, as I know we all do.
This is a sad and dark day for Bridgewater College. I know we all have so many questions and not many answers. One thing I do know, though, is that we will rally around one another and support each other as we move forward from this day. We are all victims, though some much more so than others, and it will be important that we each seek to find comfort and support in the ways most meaningful for us.
We will be sharing more information very soon on grief counseling and other forms of support.
I pray for that peace which passes all understanding for John and J.J.’s families and for all of us. Please take care of yourself and each other.
David W. Bushman, Ph.D.
President
Bridgewater College
College officials report via Twitter that there is an active shooter on Bridgewater College campus.
2:10PM, law enforcement took one suspect into custody.
3:00PM The shelter in place order for the surrounding area of campus has been lifted. Campus officials have asked for the order to continue until law enforcement can clear all buildings.
According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, there was heavy police activity near the Jopson Athletic Complex, and part of the area was cordoned off with police tape.
A man who lives near the school told the outlet that he saw a man running away from the campus carrying a black duffle bag. Ecliff Graves said the man ran across a river and was followed by police officers. He said he heard a gunshot a few moments after he lost sight of them.
"I heard one little pop," Graves said. "It sounded like a handgun. I said, 'that's sort of weird.'"
A law enforcement source told ABC News that an officer was shot. Their condition was not immediately known. It is unknown if other people were injured.
Virginia State Police is on the scene. More details to follow. This story will be updated.
Photo: Getty Images