UNC Carolina shooter - latest: Suspect arrested after faculty member killed during Chapel Hill shooting

A suspect is in custody following reports of an active shooting situation at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Monday.

Local law enforcement and UNC officials issued an alert just after 1pm Monday about “an armed and dangerous person” on or near the campus. Police said during a press conference that a faculty member was killed in the shooting.

“The students are certainly traumatised,” UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin M Guskiewicz said. “But I want to commend those who were inside the building ensuring everyone’s safety.”

A suspect was arrested near a residential area 10 minutes away from campus, but the weapon used in the shooting has yet to be recovered. Local police are searching a residence on William Circle, WRAL reported.

Students were ordered to shelter in place as police and paramedics responded to the scene where at least one shot was allegedly heard near Caudil Labs. Around 4.15pm, UNC Police lifted the shelter-in-place order.

Motive remains unclear

10:30 , Rachel Sharp

The motive for the shooting at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill which left one faculty member dead remains under investigation following the arrest of the suspected gunman.

Officials confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody around three hours on from the shooting.

Neither the victim nor the suspect have been publicly identified by officials.

It is not clear if the attack was targeted or random and if the pair knew each other prior to the shooting.

Suspect's motive unclear in campus shooting, police say

10:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Police were searching for both the weapon and the motive in a shooting at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that left one faculty member dead and prompted an hours-long lockdown.

The assailant in Monday afternoon’s shooting at a science building in the heart of the flagship university’s campus was taken into custody about an hour and a half after the gunfire was first reported.

Neither the suspect nor the victim were immediately identified and it wasn’t clear whether they knew each other. Formal charges were pending.

“To actually have the suspect in custody gives us an opportunity to figure out the why and even the how, and also helps us to uncover a motive and really just why this happened today. Why today, why at all?” UNC Police Chief Brian James said.

“And we want to learn from this incident and we will certainly work to do our best to ensure that this never happens again on the UNC campus.”

America is on pace for its worst year of mass shootings in a decade. What’s driving the record-breaking surge?

09:30 , Josh Marcus

Even for a country with more guns than people, the level of mass shootings in the US in 2023 has been shocking. The incidents have ranged from campus shootings, like a massacre inside a Nashville elementary school that killed six in March, to a mass shooting at a mall in Texas this month that killed eight, carried out by a neo-Nazi.

This year could be the worst for mass shootings in a decade, according to an analysis of Gun Violence Archive data by The Guardian.

What’s driving America’s record-breaking surge in mass shootings?

America sets horrifying 17-year record for mass killings

09:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The US saw more mass killings in the first half of this year than any other six-month period over the last 17 years, horrifying data shows.

There were more than 28 mass killings between 1 January and 30 June, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University.

Previously, the record for a six-month period was 27 – which was set in the second half of 2022.

The database defines a mass killing as an incident where four or more people are killed, not including the attacker, within a 24-hour period.

Ariana Baio reports.

America sets horrifying 17-year record for mass killings

Senator Thom Tillis calls shooting ‘heartbreaking’

08:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

“The scenes out of UNC-Chapel Hill are heartbreaking, and something that no student, teacher, or parent should ever have to live through,” said senator Thom Tillis.

“Susan and I mourn the innocent life taken. We must all continue to work together to protect our schools, confront the nation’s mental health crisis, and keep firearms out of the wrong hands.”

Is gun violence worse in red states?

07:58 , Josh Marcus

Democratic-led cities are frequently depicted as leading centres of gun violence, but that obscures the bigger picture: shooting deaths occur across the US – and red states have some of the worst records.

GOP says gun violence mostly happens in Democratic cities – the figures disagree

Everything we know about the shooting at UNC

07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

A shooting on the campus of the University of North Carolina (UNC) in Chapel Hill killed a faculty member, according to the university.

“I am devastated by today’s shooting in one of our campus buildings, a place where we conduct our important work of teaching, mentoring, and research every day,” chancellor Kevin M Guskiewicz said in a statement on Monday.

“This shooting damages the trust and safety that we so often take for granted on our campus.”

Andrea Cavallier and Josh Marcus report.

UNC faculty member confirmed dead as active shooter shuts down Chapel Hill school

North Carolina governor issues statement

07:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

North Carolina governor Roy Cooper yesterday issued a statement, calling the shooting incident a “tragic way to start a new semester”.

“My office is in communication with law enforcement and officials at UNC-Chapel Hill who are taking precautions to protect campus safety following today’s shooting,” he said in a statement shared on X, previously known as Twitter.

“This is a tragic way to start a new semester and the state will provide any assistance necessary to support the UNC community.”

In an additional statement, Mr Cooper said he spoke with Orange County sheriff Blackwood and Department of Public Safety Secretary Buffaloe and “pledged all state resources needed to capture the shooter and protect the UNC campus”.

America’s gun violence epidemic continues

06:30 , Josh Marcus

Monday’s campus shooting at the University of North Carolina added another name to the more than 28,000 people who have died because of gun violence in the US this year, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive.

Students crowded in gym locker rooms to stay safe

06:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

After the university went into lockdown, students crowded gym locker rooms away from windows in order to stay safe.

Adrian Lanier, a sophomore computer science major, said he and others sat against a wall in a gym, trying to stay as far away as possible from doors and windows as rumors spread.

“No one really felt safe enough to leave. I didn’t,” Mr Lanier told Associated Press.

Oliver Katz, an exchange student from Copenhagen Business School in Denmark, said some students crowded into gym locker rooms to get away from windows while others crouched in corners and sat on the floor.

“This never happens where I’m from,” Mr Katz said.

“It was intense. But I was a little surprised that other people weren’t panicking that much.”Mr Katz, who has only been on campus for two weeks, said he’s worried his home university will bring the exchange students back early.

“I don’t want to leave. I like it here, and I do still feel safe.”

Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz apologised to students who are “feeling uncertain about your safety right now”.

This is the second week of the fall semester at the college.

All classes cancelled for Tuesday

05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has cancelled all classes for today following the killing of a faculty member on campus.

All non-mandatory operations have been suspended as well, the university said in a statement.“Due to today’s incident on campus, UNC-Chapel Hill will operate at a Condition 2 on Tuesday,” the statement read.

“Condition 2” – which is one level short of a complete campus closure – will remain in place until 11.59pm on 29 August, the university said.

What comes next for the UNC shooting investigation?

04:55 , Josh Marcus

Police have apprehended a suspect in Monday’s UNC shooting, but that’s only the beginning.

Officials have yet to name the man or levy any official charges in the incident, which left one faculty member dead.

“We are looking for a firearm. It is too early to determine if the firearm was legally obtained, and we’re not prepared at this time to what kind of weapon it was,” UNC police chief Brian James said in a press conference on Monday.

Students and staff barricaded themselves for three hours

04:28 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

A gunman killed a faculty member in a science building at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, forcing the college to temporarily go into a lockdown.

Police arrested the suspect over three hours after the initial reports of shots fired came in from Caudill Labs, officials said at a news conference.

Emergency sirens were sounded about two minutes after a 911 caller reported gunfire around 1pm at the laboratory in the heart of the flagship campus.

The students and faculty members reportedly barricaded themselves in dorm rooms, offices and classrooms until the lockdown was lifted around 4.15pm.

“This loss is devastating, and the shooting damages the trust and safety that we so often take for granted in our campus community,” chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz said.

WATCH: Students jump out of windows to flee UNC shooting

03:30 , Josh Marcus

Students went so far as to jump out of windows to flee an active shooter on the campus of the University of North Carolina.

WRAL captured the chaos in this video.

Student describes chaos of shooting at UNC

02:37 , Josh Marcus

A shooting on the campus of the University of North Carolina set off chaos as students sought to flee after getting an emergency alert on their phones.“I rushed outside assuming that would be the best location since they would most likely target larger crowds since I was in a large lecture of maybe 250–300 people,” one student told Fox News. “Once I went outside, I saw people running in the direction of the Genome Science building. I decided to take the corner and investigate to see what was going on.

“One of my friends worked with him in the chemistry lab. However, he graduated this past year and was not [there]. Overall, it was extremely unexpected. I would always see stuff in the news but never expected to see things like this in person first-hand taking place,” the student added.

ICYMI: UNC faculty member confirmed dead as active shooter shuts down Chapel Hill school

01:37 , Josh Marcus

A shooting Monday on the campus of the University of North Carolina (UNC) in Chapel Hill killed a faculty member, according to the university.

“I am devastated by today’s shooting in one of our campus buildings, a place where we conduct our important work of teaching, mentoring, and research every day,” Chancellor Kevin M Guskiewicz said in a statement on Monday. “This shooting damages the trust and safety that we so often take for granted on our campus.”

The individual was the only person injured in the shooting, police said.

School officials say they will not release the name of the dead faculty member until their next of kin have been notified.

More details in our full story.

Student describes knowing shooting suspect: ‘He seemed very nice’

00:50 , Josh Marcus

A UNC student who knew the man arrested for Monday’s shooting said he was stunned to learn his colleague was wanted for allegedly fatally shooting a faculty member.

"I would have never guessed that he would be the kind of person who could possibly be capable of this kind of thing," graduate student Aiden Scott told WRAL. "He was always very quiet."

"Every single time he would talk to me, he seemed very nice. When I saw his face in the reports online, I was beyond shocked."

Police have not formally named the suspect, though his name has been published in local media sources.

UNC student describes being present for third campus shooting in his life

00:30 , Josh Marcus

Jeremy Fine, who is studying medicine and mental health police at UNC, told ABC 11 he has lived through three active shooter events in his lifetime.

“This is the the third time in my life I’ve with something like this, and I’ve gotta say it’s probably the scariest time,” he said.

He and a group of students and faculty hid in a men’s bathroom for hours until they got the all-clear.

The MD-PhD student also told the station he’s tired of the media and policymakers blaming shootings on severe mental illness, noting that only a small fraction of those who commit shootings have a diagnosed mental health disorder.

“It moves us backwards.”

Instead, he argued, the focus should be put on access to guns and health care.

‘Too early’ to know how suspect got gun or what caused shooting

00:10 , Josh Marcus

Officials say they are still searching for the weapon used in today’s shooting at Caudill Labs. UNC Police Chief Brian James said it’s “too early” to know whether the gun was purchased legally.

Police did not elaborate on the suspect’s connection to the dead faculty member.

“We certainly want an opportunity to interview the suspect if that’s possible and to actually have the suspect in custody gives us an opportunity to figure out the why and even the how,” Chief James continued. “It also helps us to uncover a motive and really why this happened today. Why today, why at all? We want to learn from this incident.”

Police confirm they’ve got right suspect, but won’t release name

23:50 , Josh Marcus

Police say they are confident they’ve apprehended the suspect responsible for Monday’s shooting, but aren’t releasing his name until formal charges are filed.

“We are sure that it’s him,” UNC police chief Brian James said at a press conference on Monday. “We were able to verify that.”

Earlier in the day, officials released a photo of the man.

FBI on campus assisting response to UNC shooting

23:20 , Josh Marcus

The FBI is assisting local police as they investigate a campus shooting at the University of North Carolina that left one faculty member dead on Monday.

Unnamed suspect in custody

23:18 , Andrea Blanco

UNC police said during a press conference on Monday that a faculty member was killed in the shooting.

“The students are certainly traumatised,” UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin M Guskiewicz said. “But I want to commend those who were inside the building ensuring everyone’s safety.”

An unnamed suspect was arrested near a residential area 10 minutes away from campus, but the weapon used in the shooting has yet to be recovered.

Local police are searching a residence on William Circle, WRAL reported.

“Please know that support is available and [we[ stand ready to help,” Mr Guskiewicz said in a statement, also thanking authorities for their swift response.

All classes have been cancelled for the rest of the day.

UNC confirms faculty member killed in campus shooting at lab

22:53 , Josh Marcus

The University of North Carolina confirmed on Monday a faculty member was killed in a campus shooting.

“We are waiting for confirmation that the next of kin has been contacted before we share more information,” Chancellor Kevin M Guskiewicz said in a statement on Monday.

“I am devastated by today’s shooting in one of our campus buildings, a place where we conduct our important work of teaching, mentoring, and research every day,” he added. “This shooting damages the trust and safety that we so often take for granted on our campus.”

Classes have been canceled for Monday and Tuesday.

Suspect in custody, police say

22:29 , Andrea Blanco

A spokesperson for the UNC police department told ABC11 that a suspect matching the description of a person of interest was arrested in a residential area on Williams Circle.

Authorities are reportedly searching a residence about 10 minutes away from campus, according to WRAL.

Law enforcement to hold press conference shortly

21:53 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities are expected to provide updates on the shooting at UNC at Chapel Hill in 15 minutes.

Students told to avoid Caudil Labs building as investigation continues

21:36 , Andrea Blanco

Students and faculty get ‘all clear’ from UNC officials

21:23 , Andrea Blanco

‘Thoughts and prayers aren’t enough ... We shouldn’t have to go to class in fear'

21:20 , Andrea Blanco

Classes at UNC resumed just last week. UNC at Chapel Hill student Mary-Margaret Barbee opened up about the terrifying experience as she continued to shelter in place on Monday.

“As a UNC Chapel Hill student who is currently still sheltering in place with no updates other than the sound of sirens and helicopters, thoughts and prayers aren’t enough. This shouldn’t happen. We shouldn’t have to go to class in fear of our lives. We need legislative change,” Ms Barbee tweeted.

“What’s happening on our campus at #UNC right now is terrifying, tragic, and above all else, infuriating. It’s infuriating to see this happening to the place I call home. It’s infuriating that this happens every. single. day. and nothing is done about it.”

Heavy police presence three hours after active shooting situation started

21:05 , Andrea Blanco

A heavy law enforcement presence could be seen at the UNC Chapel Hill campus on Monday evening as authorities continued to hunt for a gunman.

Armoured vehicles and helicopters could also be seen at the scene.

Dozens of students made their way out of certain buildings after being directly instructed to do so, but UNC police said a shelter-in-place remains in effect at large.

Video shows students sheltering inside lecture hall

20:54 , Andrea Blanco

Police actively clearing campus buildings

20:43 , Andrea Blanco

Some students were allowed to return to their apartments after law enforcement managed to clear some buildings on campus.

The shelter-in-place order remains in effect. Unless told otherwise, students and faculty are urged to hunker down, and avoid windows and doors.

UNC police release picture of person of interest

20:39 , Andrea Blanco

“This photo shows a person of interest in today’s armed and dangerous person situation,” UNC Police said in a statement. “If you see this person, keep your distance, put your safety first and call 911.”

FBI, SWAT at the scene as shooter is still at large

20:28 , Andrea Blanco

UNP Police says the shelter-in-place order remains in place.

Cousin of Parkland shooting victim says friends are hunkering down at UNC building

20:25 , Andrea Blanco

Samuel Schwartz, whose cousin Alex Schachter was murdered in the 2018 Parkland shooting, said he received video from a friend sheltering in place at UNC at Chapel Hill.

“I’ve got friends who go there and are in hiding right now,” Mr Schwartz tweeted. “They tell me they feel like they want to throw up and they’re watching the cops search the halls. This is daily life in America.”

Shooting on UNC campus leaves at least one wounded, reports say

20:13 , Andrea Blanco

Students received an emergency alert shortly after 1pm of an “armed and dangerous person on or near campus.”

Shooting on UNC campus leaves at least one wounded, reports say

‘This is a tragic way to stat a new semester’: Governor monitoring active shooting situation

20:00 , Andrea Blanco

Governor Roy Cooper has issued a statement saying his office has “pledged all state resources needed to capture the shooter,” who remains at large.

“My office is in communication with law enforcement and officials at UNC-Chapel Hill who are taking precautions to protect campus safety following today’s shooting,” Gov Cooper tweeted.

“This is a tragic way to start a new semester and the state will provide any assistance to support the UNC community.”

Mother shares text exchange with son sheltering in place at UNC Chapel Hill campus

19:49 , Andrea Blanco

Jennifer Reid shared her conversation with her son Michael, a student at UNC, on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Mr Reid told The Independent that her son told her a SWAT team and officers are right across where he is located.

”No one should have to have these text exchanges with their child bc there’s an active shooter at their school. We have to do more to regulate guns in this country!!!” Ms Reid tweeted.

PICTURED: Person of interest

19:43 , Andrea Blanco

2019 shooting at University of North Carolina at Charlotte left two dead

19:38 , Andrea Blanco

Four years ago, another University of North Carolina campus was targeted by a shooter who opened fire on the last day of the spring semester on 30 April, 2019.

The shooting at UNC’s Charlotte campus left two fatal victims.

The shooter, Trystan Andrew Terrell, was sentenced to life in prison in 2019.

Shooter still at large

19:34 , Andrea Blanco

UNC officials say the active shooting situation is in custody. Everyone on campus is urged to shelter in place.

Students hiding in lecture halls as active shooting situation ongoing

19:30 , Andrea Blanco

Footage shared on social media showed several students hunkering down and sheltering in place after they were told to avoid windows.

ABC11 reports that many students trying to get in touch with their parents are experiencing cell issues.

Classes at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill resumed last week.

Worried parents share fear as active assailant situation still ongoing

19:21 , Andrea Blanco

Suspect still on the loose, law enforcement and university officials say

19:17 , Andrea Blanco

Authorities briefly handcuffed an individual who was unaware of the lockdown, ABC11 reported.

The suspect is still being sought by police.

Shooting on UNC campus leaves at least one wounded

19:15 , Andrea Blanco

At least one shot was fired in Caudill Labs on South Road, according to Orange County Fire and EMS radio.

The Independent’s Andrea Cavallier reports:

Shooting on UNC campus leaves at least one wounded