Alabama A&M University has released a statement on the student-involved campus shooting that happened this Monday.
“Earlier today (Monday), there was an officer-involved shooting at the Knight Complex on the Alabama A&M University (AAMU) campus, resulting in one injury,” the statement read.
“The incident occurred during a routine security check in the Knight Center and was contained within minutes. AAMU Campus Police Chief, Montrez Payton, provided the University’s official comments on the timeline of the events and announced that the investigation is now being managed by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).”
Authorities say a student was transported to the hospital after a shootout with an officer in a stairwell on campus at Alabama A&M on Monday afternoon.
Campus Police Chief Montrez Payton reported that an officer was performing a routine security check at the Knight Complex and was on the fifth floor when they heard shots being fired below them. The officer went to check the location when they met someone in the southwest stairwell and multiple shots were exchanged, according to the chief.
Payton confirmed that one person was shot multiple times and transported to the hospital.
“Unfortunately, these things are occurring more frequently,” Chief Payton said. “This is a very tough day for Alabama A&M.”
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) will be investigating since an officer was involved in the shooting. ALEA is often called in when an officer is involved in a shooting, like in the shooting of Stephen Perkins by former officer Mac Marquette and the shooting of Ray Dean King by Madison County deputies.
ALEA says around 2:15 p.m. on Monday they received a request from the Alabama A&M University Police Chief to assist and investigate the incident. Special Agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) then launched an investigation into an officer-involved shooting.
According to ALEA, the individual was a student at Alabama A&M. The officer was not injured during the incident.
Last August, when two students were involved in a shooting on campus, Huntsville Police were called to take over the investigation, not ALEA.
In a Bulldog Alert email sent out to faculty, staff, and students around 2:21 p.m. that was obtained by News 19, AAMU confirmed there was a shooting near the Knight Complex West. The shooting is being investigated and is believed to be an isolated incident, according to the alert.
“There is believed to be no threat to the University at this time. We ask that you refrain from the Knight Complex at this time,” the email states.
HEMSI’s Don Webster said they received a call at 1:53 p.m. and picked up one patient at the Knight Complex. Huntsville Police say this is the AAMU campus police’s scene, they are just assisting with a perimeter.
On Monday evening, AAMU sent out a statement that said in part, “This incident once again brought stress and uncertainty to our campus community. Today’s climate continues to present safety challenges to colleges and universities but, AAMU is committed to enhancing overall safety for students, faculty, and staff.”
“Our campus police and University staff are to be commended for their efforts to quickly respond to the threat, ensure student safety, and provide updates. Those who learn and work on our campus are encouraged to continue to monitor our campus alert system to remain safety aware.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the AAMU campus and community during this time.
*This story is developing and will be updated as more info is provided.