A gunman has been arrested by cops after one faculty member was killed and another person wounded following an active shooter at the University of North Carolina - forcing students and staff to lockdown.
Students have began evacuating the campus after an all-clear was issued by authorities as the university tweeted: "All clear, All clear. Resume normal activities." All classes have been cancelled for the day.
Kevin Guskiewicz, chancellor of the university, confirmed the tragic news that one member of its staff has died, he said: “This shooting damages the trust and safety that we so often take for granted on our campus. We will work to rebuild that trust and safety. Our hearts are with the family of our fellow faculty member, those who are personally connected to the victim and those traumatized by this senseless act of violence.
"In response, we have cancelled classes and all campus events for the rest of the day on Monday, Aug. 28 and Tuesday, Aug. 29. The campus is moving to Condition 2 until midnight tomorrow.”
The University of North Carolina police had warned the public to stay away from a person of interest who is reported to be a science graduate of the university. That same picture can be seen as the profile image on an Instagram profile, Twitter account and a bio on the University's website, all for a student named Tailei Qi. Police have not yet confirmed the suspect's name.
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The university tweeted: "This photo shows a person of interest in today’s armed and dangerous person situation. If you see this person, keep your distance, put your safety first, and call 911."
According to Qi's online profile, he is a graduate student at the university's Applied Physical Sciences school. His account on X, the website also known as Twitter, shows a post from the start of this month in which he stated he would "like to make some new friends."
Governor Roy Cooper said he would pledge "all the state resources needed to capture the shooter", he tweeted: "I have spoken with Orange County Sheriff Blackwood and Department of Public Safety Secretary Buffaloe and pledged all state resources needed to capture the shooter and protect the UNC campus."
According to The Daily Tar Heel, at least one person was wounded after the suspect, described as a male wearing a grey shirt, reportedly fired gunshots leaving two wounded. The suspect is currently at large. Students were being seen marched inside as they prepared to shelter. The university remains on lockdown.
Staff and students at the campus have reported hearing shots fired, with one colleague fearing a student has been shot. However, it has not been confirmed by police.
Authorities and the university have issued an "armed and dangerous" warning as police investigate South Road near Caudill Labs in North Carolina. Helicopters and police are searching the surrounding area.
According to local reporter Hayley Fixler, from CBS17, a significant police presence remains at the scene, she tweeted: "Part of UNC campus shut down with significant police presence after an alert went out about an armed, dangerous person on campus.
"My photographer and I heard the speakers come on, urging everyone to go inside. Law enforcement officers are everywhere, patrolling on campus, with guns drawn."
Noel Brewer, who works at the university, tweeted he is in lockdown with staff and colleagues following orders from police. He said: "On lockdown in my office with staff and colleagues. Active shooter somewhere nearby. Perhaps near genome sciences. I heard that a student was shot."
Karla Anne, who is speaking to their child at the university, said she is "very concerned" about the welfare of the students, she tweeted: "Very concerned parent speaking with a kid in a now locked/dark lecture hall. Kids are texting shots fired in the genome building - PLZ CONFIRM?!?"
Christopher Lewis revealed he was contacted by his daughter who has been told to shelter in place while cops investigate the campus, he tweeted: "We were contacted by my daughter that there is a possible shooter at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is safe and sheltering in place, but seeing this image is not comforting for a parent. We are glad she is with friends in a safe building."
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