Bowie State University Shooting: Two Injured Amid Homecoming Celebrations
A shooting at Bowie State University in Maryland left two 19-year-old men injured on Saturday night during the school's homecoming weekend. Maryland State Police believe multiple shooters were involved in the incident.
The victims, neither of whom were students at Bowie State or the nearby Morgan State University, were discovered with gunshot wounds at the university's Center for Business and Graduate Studies. They were subsequently hospitalized, as stated by Maryland State Police Superintendent Col. Roland Butler in a Sunday press conference.
The shooting incident was reported around 11:45 p.m. on Saturday, as per a Facebook post by school officials. Maj. Kenny Brown, assistant bureau chief for the state police, described the shooting as an isolated event. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Prince George County Police Department and the Bowie State University police force, were on duty for the homecoming weekend.
While no suspects have been apprehended, the police are following several leads. Preliminary investigations suggest the involvement of more than one shooter.
Bowie State University, located in Prince George’s County, has an enrollment of 6,408 students for the Fall 2023 semester.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another shooting at Morgan State University, located approximately 45 minutes away. The earlier event saw four students and another individual injured during a homecoming event. In a gesture of solidarity, Bowie State had invited Morgan State students to its homecoming celebrations after the latter's festivities were disrupted.
Both universities experienced episodes of gun violence during their homecoming weeks, traditionally a time of joyous reunion for students and alumni. Col. Butler lamented the tragic turn of events, emphasizing the significance of homecoming weekends for HBCU campuses.
Bowie State's president, Aminta H. Breaux, expressed her sorrow during Sunday's news conference. She highlighted the peaceful nature of the Bowie State community, emphasizing that such incidents are not typical for the university.
In light of the recent events, the university has decided to cancel classes on Monday. Additionally, 24-hour counseling services will be made available to students.