A shooting incident at Morgan State University in Baltimore on Tuesday resulted in at least four individuals sustaining injuries, fortunately none of them critical, as reported by authorities. The incident prompted officials to advise students to seek shelter on the historically Black college's campus.
Initially, the Baltimore Police Department indicated an "active shooter situation" and proceeded to place the campus on lockdown for several hours. Limited information was provided concerning the ongoing investigation. The reported location of the shooting appeared to be a residential building within the vicinity of a city police station.
On the platform formerly known as Twitter, police instructed, "We're asking everyone to shelter in place and avoid the area." Approximately three hours later, authorities confirmed that it was no longer an active shooter situation and announced plans to share further details during a media briefing.
Amanda Krotki, a police spokesperson, confirmed that there were multiple victims with injuries that were not life-threatening. Another police spokesperson, Vernon Davis, informed the Baltimore Banner that at least four individuals had been shot.
City Council member Ryan Dorsey revealed that it is believed there were three shooters who discharged firearms into a crowd, though no arrests were announced.
At the scene on Tuesday night, police officers cordoned off the south entrance to the campus, near the dormitory buildings, while a police helicopter circled above.
The incident occurred amid a week of activities leading up to the university's homecoming game scheduled for Saturday. On Tuesday night, the coronation of Mister & Miss Morgan State was set to take place at the Murphy Fine Arts Center, an area that the school advised people to avoid.
Glenmore Blackwood, whose son is a senior at the university, came to the campus after receiving word of the shooting, which happened just after the coronation festivities concluded. His son sought refuge in the auditorium of the arts center. Blackwood expressed sadness at the incident, given that it transpired during an event promoting positivity.
Ish Sargent, a nearby resident, recounted how she and her friends went outside when they heard the helicopter but did not hear gunshots. She mentioned that concerns about gun violence in the area were not typical. She remarked, "At a school though, that's crazy."
Founded in 1867 as the Centenary Biblical Institute, Morgan State University has an enrollment of approximately 9,000 students. Its initial mission was to train men for ministry. In 1917, the university relocated to its current site in northeast Baltimore. In 1939, the state of Maryland purchased the institution to provide greater opportunities for Black citizens.
City Council member Odette Ramos, whose district encompasses part of the Morgan State campus, expressed her sympathy, describing the situation as "horrific" for both the campus and the city of Baltimore.
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