Dear Cardinal Community,
Shortly after 8 p.m. tonight an adult male traveling on Michigan Avenue NE collapsed at the intersection of 4th and Michigan, directly in front of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) confirmed that the victim had what appeared to be a gunshot wound, and that he had died before they arrived at the scene.
Even though no incident took place on campus, the University asked the community to shelter in place so we could assess a possible threat. We canceled the shelter-in-place order once MPD assured us that there were no active threats to our community.
MPD will continue to investigate the incident. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact MPD at: 202-727-9099.
Please join me in praying for the soul of the victim who lost his life, and offer our prayers and our sincerest condolences to his friends and family. We do not believe the victim has any connection to Catholic University.
Continue to stay informed through official University channels, including the RAVE Guardian app and email.
The Office of the Dean of Students, Campus Ministry and the Counseling Center will be available tomorrow to provide support to the University community.
Sincerely,
Peter Kilpatrick
University President
Safety Tips:
- Let people know where you are, where you are going, and when you expect to arrive.
- Always try to walk with others.
- Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.
- If you are approached, take note of the person’s appearance, clothing, and anything unusual that will help you identify the suspect.
- Report any suspicious individuals to the Department of Public Safety.
- Call 9-1-1 to report crimes that occur away from campus.
- Do not confront or engage any suspicious people.
- Download Rave Guardian and turn your cell phone into a personal safety tool.
- Program DPS into your cell phone for emergencies: 202-319-5111.
- Call DPS for a safety escort around campus if you feel a need.