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Two dead after shooting at UCCS, reaction from students and city leaders

Active investigation on isolated homicide, what police can and can't say
UCCS Springs
Posted at 6:57 AM, Feb 16, 2024
and last updated 2024-02-19 16:35:27-05

6:30 P.M.

Two people were found dead in a dorm room after a reported shooting at UCCS early Friday morning. Colorado Springs police said the incident doesn't appear to be a murder-suicide.

"When you hear gun and school in the same sentence, it's scary," said freshmen student Nate Mushlin.
Students and staff work up to a campus-wide shelter-in-place alert.

"I started calling around and they're like yeah there's a shooter on campus like some gunshots and it was just disturbing, quite sad," said Mushlin. "We're a family here at UCCS, doesn't matter if it's one person you know, don't know, they're your friends."

The lockdown was lifted a few hours later.

"I didn't know what to think cause I have heard of other shootings happening recently, I was like that couldn't have happened here," said freshmen student Samuel Canaan.

Colorado Springs Police couldn't confirm if the people dead were students. Officials also aren't saying if they have made any arrests or have identified any suspects.

"Many members of our community are eager for immediate information, however it is our duty to provide the victims families with support," said police chief Adrian Vasquez. "We will share the details of what we have learned before we release them to the public."

Campus police arrived five minutes after the initial call for shots fired. Colorado Springs Police were then asked to take over the investigation.

"I want to thank our first responders, our incredible police department for working hard to ensure that we bring peace to our community," said Colorado Springs mayor Yemi Mobolade.

The UCCS assistant vice chancellor for the health and wellness department, Stephanie Hanenberg, said there hasn't been an incident like this in her 19 years here.

"Know there is community here to support you, know that we will heal but it will take time," said the UCCS Chancellor, Jennifer Sobanet.

5:49 P.M.

The Colorado Springs Police Department says that the incident is not believed to be a murder-suicide, and that both deaths are being investigating as homicides.

They say they are continuing to develop leads in this case.

Diversus Health is offering 24/7 walk-in crises services for all community members who are experiencing mental health issues or an emotional crisis.

Their walk-in crisis center is located on Parkside Dr. near the intersection of Pikes Peak Ave. and S. Circle Dr.

2:00 P.M.

A press conference was held regarding the shooting incident at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, CSPD Police Chief Adrian Vasquez, District Attorney Michael Allen, El Paso County Commissioner Cami Bremer, and UCCS Chancellor Dr. Jennifer Sobanet were among those who spoke.

During the conference, Dr. Sobanet said that access to counselors and mental and emotional health support will be available. Those resources can be found here.

Because of Friday's incident, the Chinese New Year Festival at UCCS has been postponed to March 30.

11:18 A.M.

CSPD has confirmed two deaths in the incident, it is early in the investigative process, the deaths are being investigated as homicides.

8:52 A.M.

UPDATE: The campus lockdown has been lifted, students are free to leave, campus remains closed.

All classes and activities have been canceled for the day.

6:57 A.M.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) has been put on lockdown following reports of gunfire on the campus.

Reports say the shots were fired in a dorm, UCCS Police say it is not an active shooter situation.

The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) and campus police are asking the public to avoid the area.

CSPD says this is an isolated incident and poses no threat to the public.

According to UCCS Police, Colorado Springs Christian School was also put on lockdown as a precaution following the reports of gunfire on the college campus.

As more information comes in KOAA will keep this article updated.

Related: Campus shooting victims identified

Related: Police arrest suspect in UCCS dorm shooting

Related: Identity of suspect related to the UCCS shooting confirmed by CSPD

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