A gunman murdered two police officers during an active shooting incident at a college campus in southwestern Virginia on February 1st.
An active shooter was reported at 1:24 p.m. on Tuesday, February 1st at Bridgewater College, according to the Staunton News Leader.
School officials posted reports of the active shooter on social media, ordering students and staff to “shelter in place.”
Radio transmissions were obtained of communications between first responders at about 1:46 p.m., indicating that two officers had been shot.
The radio transmissions were shared on Twitter. Listen below:
Bridgewater College scanner said two officers down https://t.co/uQXYPf9lcf
— Powerofwoman (@Torilv13) February 1, 2022
Both state and local law enforcement rushed to the campus, and began a massive search for the shooter.
The next social media alert from Bridgewater College regarding the incident, which was sent out at 2:08 p.m., indicated that a suspect was taken into police custody. The college noted that the situation was still ongoing, and that everyone should continue to shelter in place while law enforcement conducted a sweep of the campus.
An individual is in police custody. Situation is still ongoing. Continue to shelter where you are.
— Bridgewater College (@BridgewaterNews) February 1, 2022
“For additional safety purposes, law enforcement officials will be moving through buildings. Do not be alarmed. Listen to officers’ instructions,” a second tweet read.
For additional safety purposes, law enforcement officials will be moving through buildings. Do not be alarmed. listen to officers' instructions.
— Bridgewater College (@BridgewaterNews) February 1, 2022
Later that day, Virginia State Police confirmed that two officers had been killed during the incident: one Bridgewater College police officer, and one campus safety officer.
The tragic news was also announced via email to students and staff, and the two fallen heroes were identified as Bridgewater College Police Officer John Painter and Campus Safety Officer J.J. Jefferson.
“These officers were close friends, known to many of us as the ‘dynamic duo,’” Bridgewater College President David Bushman wrote. “John was J.J.’s best man in his wedding this year. They were beloved by students, faculty and staff. I hurt for their families and loved ones, as I know we all do.”
“This is a sad and dark day for Bridgewater College,” he continued. “I know we all have so many questions and not many answers. One thing I do know, though, is that we will rally around one another and support each other as we move forward from this day. We are all victims, though some much more so than others, and it will be important that we each seek to find comfort and support in the ways most meaningful for us.”
The shooter has since been identified as 27 year old Alexander Wyatt Campbell. Police have since revealed that Campbell fled the scene following the shooting, and waded through knee-high water to an island in the North River, where he was taken into custody.
He is currently being held without bond at Rockingham County Jail. Campbell is charged with two felony counts of capital murder, one felony count of first degree murder, and one felony count of use of a firearm in the commission of a crime.
Virginia State Police are currently running the investigation with the assistance of the Harrisonburg Police Department.
