Two campus officers were killed in a shooting at a Virginia college Tuesday, and a male suspect was taken into custody by police, according to officials.
Campus police officer John Painter and campus safety officer J.J. Jefferson died from their injuries, the president of Bridgewater College, a private liberal arts institution, said in a statement Tuesday evening.
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“This is a sad and dark day for Bridgewater College. I know we all have so many questions and not many answers,” Bridgewater College President David Bushman said. “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.”
Virginia police identified the suspect as Alexander Wyatt Campbell, 27, during a press conference Tuesday night. Campbell’s last known address was in Ashland, Virginia. Campbell has been charged with four felonies, including two counts of capital murder, one count of first-degree murder, and one count of abuse of a firearm in the commission of a felony, police said. He is being held in Rockingham County Jail without bond.
Police accused Campbell of shooting both officers and said the investigation currently only focuses on Campbell. They noted that he was treated and released from the Sentara RMH Medical Center for a “non-life-threatening” gunshot wound after he was apprehended. Officials are still working on identifying how he was wounded and are unsure if the campus officers shot him.
#BREAKING Alexander Wyatt Campbell, 27, of Ashland, Va. charged w/ the shooting deaths of a Bridgewater College police officer & campus safety officer. He’s locked up in Rockingham County tonight. MORE: https://t.co/3lQMNjZ5kV @WHSVnews pic.twitter.com/fceJ34ivvy
— Kyle Rogers (@WHSVKyle) February 2, 2022
The college tweeted that shots were fired on campus at around 1:24 p.m. The college told students to shelter in place, and about half an hour later, it informed students that the suspect was in custody. The college eventually gave the students the all-clear around 4:33 p.m. During the press conference, officials noted that classes will be canceled at the college tomorrow.
The two officers were said to be very close friends, and Bushman described them as “the dynamic duo.” He also noted that Painter was Jefferson’s best man during his recent wedding.
“They were beloved by students, faculty, and staff. I hurt for their families and loved ones, as I know we all do,” he said. “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.”
Emergency response scanner audio of the incident indicated that the two officers were shot near the athletic fields on campus, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. The suspect fled the scene before being apprehended.
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“My heart is broken tonight by the tragic loss of two officers at Bridgewater College today. These officers were dedicated to protecting the students and faculty of the college and I have ordered that the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia be flown at half-staff tomorrow to honor their memory and courageous efforts,” Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a statement.
“The First Lady and I ask Virginians to keep their family, friends, and the Bridgewater community in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” he added.
