BRIDGEWATER, Va. — Two campus police officers were shot and killed Tuesday at Bridgewater College in Virginia, police and university officials confirmed.
A suspect, who has not been identified publicly, is in custody, WHSV and WWBT reported.
I have been briefed on the situation at Bridgewater College. The shooter is in custody and state and local police are on the scene. I will continue to monitor the situation in conjunction with law enforcement.
— Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) February 1, 2022
In an email sent to students and staff, the college identified the slain officers as Campus Police Officer John Painter and Campus Safety Officer J.J. Jefferson, WWBT reported.
“These officers were close friends, known to many of us as the ‘dynamic duo.’ John was J.J.’s best man in his wedding this year. They were beloved by students, faculty and staff. I hurt for their families and loved ones, as I know we all do,” Bridgewater College President David Bushman said in the email obtained by WWBT.
According to WHSV, local, county, state and federal authorities responded at around 1:20 p.m. to a report of an active shooter on campus.
Initial reports indicated that the armed suspect fled the scene, but state and local law enforcement took a male suspect into custody within 45 minutes following a coordinated search, the TV station reported.
Campus officials lifted a shelter-in-place order just after 4:30 p.m., issuing an all-clear notification.
This is an all clear notification. More information will come via campus email.
— Bridgewater College (@BridgewaterNews) February 1, 2022
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