Suspect Identified After Student Shot, Killed on Kennesaw State University’s Campus

KENNESAW, Ga. — A tragic incident unfolded at Kennesaw State University (KSU) over the weekend, resulting in the death of a female student. The university community is grappling with the loss as details emerge about the shooting and the suspect involved.

The shooting occurred on Saturday afternoon in front of the Austin Residence Complex, a bustling area on the South Campus. According to university officials, the incident began with a dispute that escalated, leading to the fatal shooting of the student. The suspect, who is not affiliated with KSU, fled the scene immediately after the incident.

KSU President Kathy Schwaig expressed her condolences to the victim's family and friends in a heartfelt statement, acknowledging the profound grief and shock that has enveloped the campus community. "Our hearts are with the family and friends of the victim during this incredibly difficult time," Schwaig said. "We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff."

The university's Office of Emergency Management was quick to respond, issuing an alert about an armed intruder on campus shortly after the shooting. Students were advised to avoid the South Campus housing area due to ongoing police activity. Approximately thirty minutes later, another alert confirmed that a shooting had occurred, and the campus was placed on a brief lockdown.

By Sunday, local law enforcement had apprehended the suspect, who has been identified and charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. The suspect's identity has not been disclosed to the public at this time. The KSU Police Department is collaborating with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to investigate the case further.

This incident marks the second time this year that KSU has dealt with an armed intruder on campus. In January, police were called to the campus following reports of armed suspects. Fortunately, that situation was resolved without any shootings or fatalities. The recent shooting, however, has left the campus community in a state of mourning and heightened concern for safety.

Robert Bowns, a KSU student, recounted the harrowing experience to local media. "All I heard was 'bop, bop, bop,' seven or eight times," Bowns said. "Five minutes later, I received a campus alert notifying me of an armed intruder on campus." The lockdown alert was issued at 4:07 p.m., and the all-clear message was disseminated at 4:43 p.m.

In response to the incident, KSU has ramped up its safety measures and is offering counseling resources to students and staff affected by the tragedy. The university's Behavioral Response Team (BRT) is also actively involved, providing support to those in distress and working to prevent future crises through early identification and intervention.

The KSU Police Department has emphasized the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in maintaining campus safety. They encourage students, faculty, and staff to utilize the LiveSafe app, which provides a direct connection to campus police and allows users to report safety concerns in real-time.

KSU's commitment to safety is further underscored by its comprehensive emergency preparedness plans, regular safety drills, and initiatives aimed at promoting awareness about personal safety and crime prevention. The university's Crisis Coordinators play a crucial role in managing emergency situations, providing immediate assistance, and educating the campus community on proper emergency response protocols.

As the investigation continues, the KSU community remains united in its resolve to support one another and ensure a safe environment for all. The university has pledged to keep the community informed with updates as more information becomes available.

In the wake of this tragedy, KSU's focus remains on healing and reinforcing the safety measures that protect its students, faculty, and staff. The university's leadership is determined to learn from this incident and enhance its security protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.