Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was placed on lockdown after a shooting occurred on campus Sunday evening.
The incident happened inside the Ulysses S. Jones Hall dormitory, where at least one person was injured and taken to the hospital. Their current condition has not been disclosed, according to ABC affiliate WBRZ.
Videos from the scene show first responders rushing to help. The university quickly issued a warning on its website at 7:24 p.m. local time, informing students and staff about the situation. The message read: “ATTENTION: There has been a shooting incident in U.S. Jones Hall. The possible suspect is a Black male wearing a black hoodie with rhinestones and dark pants. The campus is locked down for safety. Please remain in your dorm rooms/offices until an all-clear is given.”
Authorities have not released any identities related to the incident, and it is unclear whether the suspect described in the university’s alert was found or taken into custody.
Southern University and A&M College is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) with five campuses across Louisiana. It is the only HBCU system in the United States, according to its website.
The lockdown lasted for nearly two hours before an all-clear was issued at 9:15 p.m. local time. Despite the end of the lockdown, many questions remain, including the identity of the suspect and the condition of the victim.
This incident has raised concerns about campus safety, and university officials are expected to provide updates as the investigation continues. Students and staff are encouraged to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines to prevent further incidents. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Campus security and local law enforcement will likely increase patrols in response to the shooting. The university may also review its security policies to ensure student safety.
In light of this event, students are reminded to always be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to campus security. While Southern University has now resumed normal operations, the impact of the shooting may leave students and staff feeling uneasy. Counseling services and support resources are expected to be available for those affected.
As more details emerge, authorities will continue working to determine what led to the shooting and whether any additional safety measures need to be implemented to protect the campus community.
