Updated: May 1, 2019 at 8 a.m.
Overnight, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police charged 22-year-old Trystan Andrew Terrell for his involvement in Tuesday’s shooting at UNC Charlotte. Terrell was transferred to Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and charged with two counts of murder, four counts of attempted murder, four counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, possession of a firearm on educational property, and discharging a firearm on educational property.
In a statement, UNC Charlotte’s Chancellor Philip Dubois called the tragedy “the saddest day in UNC Charlotte’s history.”
At 5:50 p.m., UNCC Emergency Management sent out an alert that said shots were reported near the Kennedy Hall building. It encouraged students to “Run, Hide, Fight. Secure yourself immediately.” The campus was on lockdown as school police and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department conducted a sweep. The lockdown wasn’t lifted until nearly 11 p.m.
NinerAlert: Shots reported near kennedy. Run, Hide, Fight. Secure yourself immediately. Monitor email and https://t.co/LxOefV3rbf
— UNCC OEM (@NinerAlerts) April 30, 2019
Almost immediately, social media posts poured out messages of shock and concern. Mayor Vi Lyles said, “My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives, those injured, the entire UNCC community and the courageous first responders who sprang into action to help others.”
We are in shock to learn of an active shooter situation on the campus of UNC Charlotte. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives, those injured, the entire UNCC community and the courageous first responders who sprang into action to help others.
— Mayor of Charlotte (@CLTMayor) April 30, 2019
During a press conference later in the evening, Campus Police Chief Jeff Baker said that dispatchers received a call “that a suspect was armed with a pistol and had shot several students.”
He continued, “We were able to get into the building quick enough to where we actually took custody of the suspect. He was disarmed and he was taken into custody.”
Information hasn’t been released whether the victims are students, educators or staff. It was the last day of classes for students. School officials have canceled exams through Sunday.
Update: UNC Charlotte chancellor names victims in campus shooting
Student Jonathan Limehouse said he walking out of class around 5:35 p.m. on Tuesday when he learned about the campus shooting. He ran to the nearest classroom to alert a teacher and then barricaded himself in the classroom along with other students.
“I have never been in a situation like this. At first, I was a little afraid and startled, but campus police did a great job,” he said. “I thank God the situation wasn’t worse because it easily could’ve been. I’m fine now and thankful that the shooter was caught and students are safe. What a terrible way to end the semester.”
Related: “I have never been in a situation like this,” UNC Charlotte student says after campus shooting
LYNX Blue Line trains suspended service at the McCullough Station due to the incident. It has since resumed.
LYNX Blue Line trains will have end of line service at the McCullough Station due to an incident on UNC Charlotte campus. A bus bridge is being put in place between McCullough and JW Clay Station. @unccharlotte @unccNextRide
— CATSRideTransit (@CATSRideTransit) April 30, 2019
Katrina Louis is managing editor of qcitymetro.com who can always find something to do in Charlotte. She’s an offline hustler (and has the shirt to prove it) but when online, find her on Instagram and Twitter.
