Bowie State University is stepping up security after a recent shooting on campus, with plans for more police patrols, a new security gate, and even possible facial recognition cameras. The university’s president reassured everyone that this incident won’t define their community, and they’re committed to keeping students safe.
Here are the highlights:
- Bowie State University is implementing new security measures after a campus shooting involving two non-student men.
- Increased police patrols, a security gate, license plate readers, and universal card access for buildings are part of the new measures.
- The university is exploring facial recognition cameras for campus entry points and high-traffic areas.
- Community conversations allowed students and faculty to express safety concerns.
- The shooting occurred on October 7 during homecoming week, resulting in non-life threatening injuries for the victims.
- Bowie State President Dr. Aminta Breaux emphasized that the university would not be defined by this incident.
- Armed guards and local police were present during homecoming activities.
- Maryland State Police are leading the ongoing investigation into the shooting.
- There is a commitment to bring the shooters to justice from local authorities.
- The university community is hopeful for a swift investigation and healing process.
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New Security Measures at Bowie State Following Campus Shooting
Bowie State University is implementing new security measures following a tragic campus shooting earlier this month involving two men who were not students.
Increased police patrols, an added security gate, and license plate readers will be followed by universal card access for all university buildings and enhanced surveillance at campus entrances.
The university is also exploring the use of facial recognition cameras at campus entry points and high-traffic indoor and outdoor locations.
The changes come following a series of community conversations where students and faculty were able to express concerns over campus safety.
Two 19-year-old men were found wounded in front of the College of Business and Graduate Studies before being transported to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries. The shooting occurred on October 7, the final night of the university's homecoming.
The university confirmed the victims were not Bowie State students.
Bowie State President Dr. Aminta Breaux expressed her distress over the shooting at a press conference the following morning and declared that this would not define the university.
“Today is the beginning of the healing process,” said Dr. Breaux. “Our campus community is very much a peaceful community. This is not normal for Bowie State University."
Armed guards as well as Maryland State and Prince George's County police were present at the university during the homecoming activities.
"There were police officers dispersed throughout the campus," Dr. Breaux stated. "That speaks to the [shooters'] brazenness."
Dr. Breaux announced additional security measures would be considered going forward and emphasized that Bowie State would not be paralyzed by the actions of a few outsiders.
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy pledged her support in bringing the shooters to justice. The investigation into the shooting led by Maryland State Police is ongoing.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Two victims are in the hospital following a campus shooting at Bowie State University Saturday night.
Law enforcement responded to a call for shots fired at 11:45pm at Henry Circle, on green space near the Center for Business and Graduate Studies.
The shooting transpired on the last night of the university's homecoming week following a home football match against Virginia State.
The incident follows a shooting Tuesday at Morgan State University in Baltimore. The Tuesday attack injured five people, including four students.
A university spokesperson confirmed the shooting, noting that detailed information about the victims' conditions, ages, and genders was not immediately available.
WTOP has since reported the victims were young men, neither of whom attend Bowie State.
Maryland State Police are investigating the shooting. Campus officials have pledged their full cooperation with the investigation and support for those affected.
Further updates on the incident are anticipated as the investigation unfolds.
As the Bowie State University community grapples with this tragedy, there is a hope that a swift investigation will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting and bring those responsible to justice.
Situated on Racetrack Road and 197 just outside of the incorporated City of Bowie, Bowie State is Maryland's oldest Historically Black College and University.
The city and university partner on a number of joint programs, including the Bowie Business Innovation Center, hosted at the university's Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community.
The university also makes many of their amenities available to Bowie residents, including their free senior swims.
This incident is a heartbreaking occurrence on a campus otherwise brimming with talent. Bowie State is one of the nation's fastest growing HBCUs.
Updates on the situation will be shared as the university and state police make more information available.