Dear Terrapin Community,
Shortly after 11 PM last night, a shooting occurred in a hotel room at The Hotel at the University of Maryland, just across the street from our campus. Seven people sustained reportedly non-life threatening injuries, and we pray for their full recovery.
This violence is deeply unsettling. Many members of our community awoke to the news of a shooting and quickly expressed concerns for community safety. This violent crime comes at a time when we are constantly advocating for and prioritizing safety - during COVID-19, amidst a polarized election, and in our everyday lives.
Please be assured that our commitment to safety is unwavering, and we have been working closely with Prince George’s County law enforcement, our own University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD), The Hotel staff, and community partners to understand last night’s incident and promote safety in our community.
If you are just hearing this news, I encourage you to read Chief Mitchell’s update to campus, as well as details released today from Prince George’s County Police Department, the agency leading the investigation. At this time, we have no information that any of the victims are affiliated with the University of Maryland community. UMPD will keep us informed if there are developments in the case.
The urgent need to support one another has never been greater. Today, in addition to wellness checks conducted by Student Affairs, the Counseling Center is available for concerned students, faculty or staff by calling the 24-hour service at 301-314-7651. Tomorrow, as needed, we will offer additional support to our community from the Counseling Center, Behavioral Health Services, Faculty Staff Assistance Program, and our university Chaplains.
And always, we check on our fellow Terrapins. In this season already fraught with the uncertainty brought on by COVID-19 and a charged election, I encourage you to check in on your friends and colleagues. Words of support and encouragement can mean a world of difference.
Sincerely,
Darryll J. Pines
President, University of Maryland
He/Him/His
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Twitter: @President_Pines
Instagram: @President_Pines