A Liberty University student was shot and killed by a school officer at an off-campus residence hall early Tuesday morning, the university said in a statement.
“We have received reports that a Liberty University Emergency Services Officer was attacked by a male student in the lobby of a women’s-only dorm early this morning,” a statement posted on the school’s website Tuesday read. “The student was shot and killed and the officer was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital for treatment.”
Liberty University says the Lynchburg, Va., Police Department is investigating and the university is cooperating. It is not known whether or not the deceased was armed.
“The Liberty University community is deeply saddened by this tragic event and is prayerfully supporting all those impacted,” Liberty President Jerry Falwell Jr. said in the statement.
The shooting happened at 4:07 a.m. at Residential Annex II, located 3.4 miles away from the main campus. The school says the entire campus, including Annex I and II, are open and operating as normal.
“Liberty University’s thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this tragedy,” an earlier statement said.
Liberty University, founded by Jerry Falwell Sr. in 1971, is the largest Christian university in the world, according to its website.
