A gunman shot and killed two campus officials at a private university on Tuesday, leading to a lengthy campus cordon and search before the suspect was arrested, state police and school officials said.

The lockdown began in the early afternoon, when Bridgewater College officials posted a tweet early in the afternoon warning students and staff to watch out for gunmen on campus.

The academy posted a follow-up tweet around 2 p.m. It said police arrested a suspect after searching the campus, but students should continue to shelter in place.

A news photographer captured the arrest of the apparent suspect, who was lying face down on the ground when more than half a dozen law enforcement officers approached with guns. The college lifted the alarm around 4.30pm.

It is unclear what caused the shooting. No other injuries were reported.

A statement from school principal David W. Bushman identified the two officers as campus police officer John Painter and campus security officer J.J. Jefferson. The campus is mourning the loss of a well-known and beloved officer, he said. The statement called the couple a “dynamic duo,” noting that the painter was best man at Jefferson’s wedding this year.

“Two members of Bridgewater College were rudely taken from us. The grief is palpable. Words are not enough to express the grief, the grief, the fear and – justifiably – the anger we all feel,” Bushman added.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin ordered flags to be flown at half-staff across the state on Wednesday in honor of officials.

“My heart breaks tonight at the tragic loss of two officers at Bridgewater College today… The First Lady and I ask Virginians to keep their families, friends and the Bridgewater community alive during this difficult time. In your thoughts and prayers,” he said in a statement.

Bridgewater College is a private liberal arts college located approximately 125 miles (200 kilometers) northwest of Richmond. Historically affiliated with the Brethren, the school will enroll about 1,500 full-time students through fall 2021, according to its website.

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times