A person died after a shooting at Worcester State University early Saturday morning, according to police who are asking for the public’s help in the investigation as the university canceled all events for the day.
Police responded to the double shooting at around 2:44 a.m. in the area of a parking garage.
Worcester Police and Massachusetts State Police patrols responded to the scene near Wasylean Hall and Sheehan Hall. Two gunshot victims were transported to UMass Medical Center.
One of the victims died, and the other underwent surgery, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
Police arrested an individual close to the scene and recovered a gun. That person was charged with trespassing and possession of a firearm.
When asked whether that person was a suspect in the fatal shooting, Early said at a press conference, “Can’t get into that at this point. It is someone that left the scene, was located a short distance from the university.”
“This does not appear to be a random incident,” Early said. “The parties that were involved knew each other, from what we can ascertain at this point.”
“We’re asking for the public’s help with regards to any video,” he said, later adding, “We ask for the public’s help for any information at all, especially video, tips, anything that they saw, and anything that they might know.”
The victims and alleged suspects are not students of Worcester State University. The shooting was the result of an altercation and was not an active shooter incident, police emphasized.
Police have identified multiple “people of interest” who were seen on video at the scene.
The university instituted a shelter in place following the shooting, telling students to stay inside. Then the shelter in place was lifted at 9:28 a.m.
“The current shelter in place has been lifted. If you notice anything unusual/suspicious, please report to University Police 5089298911,” the university tweeted.
There was still a large police presence on campus, and the DA’s Office asked the public to avoid the area where police were investigating.
“Anyone with information, photos or video around the areas of Wasylean Hall and Sheehan Hall are asked to share it with Massachusetts State Police, University Police, and Worcester Police,” the DA’s Office posted.
The university was closed on Saturday, canceling all events on and off campus. That includes canceling homecoming and family weekend.
“Right now, we believe the campus is safe,” said Worcester State University Police Jason Kapurch, who called the shooting a “tragic incident on campus.”
Counseling is available to students following the campus shooting.
