Wednesday, April 30, 2008 Critical Incident Alert for 4/30/2008 From: President Williams
TO: The Campus Community
Please be advised that there was a serious incident this afternoon on campus. I am happy to report that no one was hurt, and that our security officers and the responding NYPD officers acted immediately and with exemplary judgment to diffuse the situation rapidly and safely.
Shortly after 2 pm, a male student brought a gun to College and showed it to a female student acquaintance, indicating that he was clearly emotionally disturbed. The young woman reported it to a counselor in the Financial Aid office, who immediately alerted Campus Security.
Campus Security immediately notified the NYPD, and also alerted all security officers that there was a lock-down of the Administration Building.
At the same time, Director of Public Safety Pat Morena and two officers went to the lounge in the Administration building and identified the student because he seemed agitated. They went up to him to escort him out of the building, at which point he drew a gun from his backpack, and pulled another young woman who was standing next to him to his side in a threatening manner. Chief Morena ordered, “Gun! Get down.” At that time, two NYPD officers entered the room. One of them drew his gun and ordered the young man to stand down and drop his weapon. The young man released the woman he had grabbed and the Officer talked him into dropping the gun. He was then placed under arrest.
The entire situation, from the report of the gun to the arrest, took place in less than five minutes.
I urge you to talk with our counselors about any questions or concerns you might have. Your safety remains of paramount importance. I commend our students, our security officers, faculty, staff and the NYPD for their diligence and dedication to this principle.
