BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: Five people were shot on Tuesday, October 3, night at Morgan State University in Baltimore even as officers continue to look for the shooter, authorities said.
According to Baltimore officers Commissioner Richard Worley, university officers reacted to gunshots they heard at 9:25 pm local time and found several victims on campus as well as multiple broken windows.
Students fled for their lives and took refuge inside for 135 minutes before Baltimore Police announced the emergency was over at 11.45 pm and lifted the school lockdown.
According to the commissioner, the victims—four men and one woman, ages between 18 to 22—were brought to a hospital with non-life-threatening wounds.
Councilman Ryan Dorsey of Baltimore City tweeted on social media that he had been informed by the authorities that five individuals had been hurt in the incident. He stated that none of the injuries were critical.
Dorsey stated: "It's believed there were three shooters firing into the crowd, none apprehended or ID'd at this time."
According to Lance Hatcher, chief of the Morgan State University Police Department, four of the victims were students at Morgan University, as reported by CNN.
Current status of Morgan State University shooting
Morgan State University stated in a statement: "An active investigation is currently underway related to a report of shots being fired on or near campus."
In light of the continuing investigation, authorities withheld details regarding the number of probable shooters or the location of the shooting other than to mention that it took place outside.
Police reported they still have not detained any alleged gunman at a news conference at 2 in the morning. Per Daily Mail, officers were unable to confirm whether there were multiple shooters as well.
People were advised to avoid the vicinity of Thurgood Marshall Hall and the Murphy Fine Arts Center, and a shelter-in-place order was issued for the university.
Students and faculty were advised to stay in place and steer clear of the university, a small HBCU in northeast Baltimore, as a SWAT team and cops from multiple agencies searched for the perpetrator there.
Member of the Baltimore City Council, Dorsey stated earlier on Tuesday that police claimed there were three gunmen present.
How did students and eye-witnesses react to the MSU shooting?
Students were spotted running for cover in a frenzy as a police aircraft commanded everyone to take cover.
According to a witness who was present at the incident, bullets struck the glass behind his head, and that it "all happened so fast" that he didn't "get a chance to react."
Other students recalled witnessing SWAT troops with guns running from dorm to dorm to see if any of the three shooters were hiding inside any of the rooms.
What is law enforcement saying about the shooting?
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott declared at a press conference: "For those who decided to come onto this jewel of a campus, and inflict this pain and trauma on their community — we’re going to find you. We won’t stop."
Worley stated, "We did not locate the suspect at this time." As of early Wednesday, October 4 morning, the authorities hadn't issued a suspect description, and it is unknown if the culprit is associated with the university.
Morgan State University officials lifted the shelter-in-place order after stating that the incident is no longer deemed an active shooter scenario.
"They cleared every single floor twice and after that we realized the campus was most likely safe," Worley added.
Baltimore City Councilwoman Odette Ramos stated to WJZ that when she first learned of the shooting, she was frightened for the campus and the students.
"It's been a sad, sad evening, especially since Morgan has homecoming coming up, and that is usually a big celebration of how wonderful campus is and still is," Ramos exclaimed, per CBS News.
The Baltimore Police Department is receiving assistance from the local branch of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives at the scene of an active shooter incident. Its agents and K-9 units are looking for shell casings and other evidence in the vicinity.
Federal officials posted a statement on social media confirming that the FBI is also helping with the investigation into the shooting.
Baltimore Police and Morgan State University authorities started advising families of students to stay away from the campus area after hearing reports of the shooting.
Internet users pray for MSU shooting victims and families
Following the horrific news of the Morgan State University shooting, social media users took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their prayers and well wishes for the victims and "everyone impacted by this senseless shooting."
One X user wrote, "This is the first day of homecoming for Morgan State University. Coronation was scheduled for tonight so there were a lot of students, faculty, friends and family on campus this evening. Please pray for everyone impacted by this senseless shooting."
A second user also wished recovery and wrote, "God please cover everyone at Morgan State University right now"
"They shooting up my school, Morgan State University… stay safe y’all," another MSU student asked others to stay safe.
Another MSU alum reached out and wrote, "To anyone who is currently enrolled at Morgan State University, please know you have a HUGE support system from us alum! Please do not hesitate to reach out! We are praying for you all and share the same pain right now"
"I love Morgan State University, its students, alumni and faculty. I’m praying for everybody on campus tonight. Morgan State University is a wonderful school with wonderful people. We do not deserve any more tragedy. ESPECIALLY during a week we are supposed to be celebrating," exclaimed one user.
In a statement, Governor Wes Moore also said, "My office is aware of the shooting incident on the Morgan State University campus. My team and I are in close contact with officials on the ground and are monitoring the situation."
Reporter Kelsey Kushner also posted updates on X: "Major police activity happening at Morgan State University. A chopper head is urging people to shelter in place. Officers want people to back up because someone is “still shooting” @wjz"
