Texas College Officials: Campus Is Safe
Staff Photo By Jaime R. Carrero
REACTING: Dr. William Harris interim President of Texas College stated during a press conference on Thursday that there is an ongoing investigation into the shooting at a dormitory that housed some Texas College students but that the security of Texas College had a no time been breached.
By KENNETH DEAN
Staff Writer
After two students were shot early Thursday morning, Texas College faculty assured students they will be safe on campus.
Staff Writer
After two students were shot early Thursday morning, Texas College faculty assured students they will be safe on campus.
Interim President William Harris said though the shooting took place at a housing annex it did not happen on the campus and at no time was security breached.
"We deplore this unfortunate incident but we emphasize that it in no way represented a security threat on the Texas College campus," he said.
One of the students remains in serious condition after being shot in the abdomen, and another student was treated and released after being shot in the left hand this morning outside a residence hall 5 miles from the campus.
The shooter remains at large. Donald Martin, Tyler Police spokesman, said police do not believe the shooting was a random act.
"There is more to this, and we are investigating," he said.
Martin further stated that witnesses had not been forthcoming with information.
Roy Morgan, 19, and Bobby Hughes, 20, were in the parking lot outside Rose Dorm, 2902 Old Kilgore Highway, when gunfire erupted shortly after 12:30 a.m., police said.
Morgan remains hospitalized and college officials said their thoughts and prayers are with both students and their families.
"Our hearts go out to the families of the injured students and we wish to assure other student residents of the facility that we will do everything possible to protect them," Harris said.
He added that Smith County Precinct 1 Constable Henry Jackson's security firm Fail Safe Security Agency, which is under investigation, will be providing an armed guard at the dormitory during the night hours.
Officials also said there was a curfew at the housing annex and students were to be inside by 12 a.m.
Harris said additional information would be made to the public as soon as it was available. He did not believe the shooter was a student, but said if that was the case the college would disassociate itself from the person.
Police ask anyone with information about the shooting to call the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or Tyler/Smith County Crimestoppers at 903-597-2833.
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