Tuskegee University will no longer operate as an open campus following Sunday’s terrifying shooting.
President Mark Brown confirmed that the closure, effective immediately, requires all visitors to display badges while on campus.
“The Tuskegee University community is heartbroken by what happened on our campus,” Brown stated. “We offer condolences to the family of the young man who lost his life. We are providing support to the injured students and their families.” Counseling services have been made available, and the university canceled classes on Monday and Tuesday for students to grieve.
Brown confirmed that the university fired its security chief and hired a new one to review the incident. He emphasized that the shooting occurred at an unsanctioned event during homecoming weekend despite extensive security measures, including over 70 law enforcement officers and weapon-sniffing dogs.
“We take full responsibility for allowing a thorough investigation and implementing corrective actions,” Brown said.
Homecoming, a tradition at Tuskegee for 100 years, remains vital to the community, something Brown hopes to continue.
“We connect this generation of students with alumni who walked the same paths,” Brown explained, stressing the event’s importance for unity and celebration, not violence.
Valiant Cross Academy headmaster Anthony Brock, whose daughter attends Tuskegee, expressed the pain of the shooting.
“It was hurtful to see, especially with my daughter,” he said, calling it a “loss of innocence.” Brock urged a reexamination of open-carry laws and asked people to honor Tuskegee’s legacy.
La’Tavion Johnson has been identified as the only fatality. At least 16 more people were injured with gunshots or trampling after suspected gunman Jaquez Myrick, 25, opened fire on the Alabama campus.
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