The University of Bridgeport was placed under lockdown on Tuesday night after a shooting occurred in the Marina Cafeteria, injuring one individual. The incident took place around 6:30 p.m. and involved two non-students known to each other.

• University of Bridgeport on Lockdown After Shooting Incident in Cafeteria

• Bridgeport, CT – Wednesday, October 30, 2024

• The University of Bridgeport was placed under lockdown Tuesday night following a shooting incident in the Marina Cafeteria, the campus dining hall, at approximately 6:30 p.m. According to the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center (EOC), police responded quickly to the scene after reports of gunfire.

• One person was injured in the shooting and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Fortunately, no other individuals were reported injured during the incident. The victim and the suspect involved in the shooting are not students at the University of Bridgeport. University policy typically restricts non-students from accessing campus facilities, including the dining hall, except during certain events. On Tuesday night, the cafeteria was busy due to a soccer game and a basketball game being held on campus.

• Bridgeport police confirmed that the two individuals involved in the shooting were known to each other, which suggests that the incident was not random and posed no ongoing threat to the university community. Nevertheless, the shooting raised significant alarm among students and staff, prompting immediate lockdown protocols to ensure safety while police assessed the situation.

• University President Danielle Wilken expressed gratitude for the rapid response from the Bridgeport Police Department, the university’s security team, and emergency first responders. “I am grateful to the Bridgeport Police Department, the University of Bridgeport’s Security Team, and first responders for their endless commitment to the UB community. Campus safety is our number one priority,” Wilken stated.

• Following the incident, police began searching for the suspect, who reportedly fled the campus grounds. Authorities have not released a description of the suspect but are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. In the meantime, an increased police presence has been established on campus to reassure students and staff of their safety.

• The lockdown was lifted at approximately 5:45 a.m. Wednesday, according to Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, who addressed the community in the aftermath of the incident. “I want to assure those at the University of Bridgeport and beyond that their safety and security remains our top priority,” Ganim said in a statement released early Wednesday morning.

• Students expressed mixed feelings about the shooting, with some voicing concerns over safety on campus. “It’s really unsettling to know something like this happened here, especially since we think of our campus as a safe place,” said sophomore Anna Martinez. “But I’m thankful no one was more seriously hurt.”

• In light of the incident, university officials are reviewing their security protocols and procedures regarding access to campus facilities, particularly during events that attract larger crowds. The university has also scheduled a campus safety meeting for later this week to discuss further measures and provide a platform for students to express their concerns.

• As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information related to the incident or the suspect's whereabouts to come forward. The university community is reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to campus security or local law enforcement.

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