Dear members of the campus community,
This is not a message any chancellor wants to deliver. But sadly, today’s events have shaken all of us. Incidents like this may happen at other places, but not at UC Merced.
But it has. As shocking and troubling as today’s act of violence was, I am thankful that the incident was quickly brought under control by campus police and that the injuries to the victims do not appear to be life-threatening.
There is much we still don’t know due to the ongoing police investigation, which involves our own department as well as many other agencies.
However, we do know that the suspect was shot by campus police and succumbed to his injuries.
The victims included two students, a staff member and an outside contractor. Our first concern is for their full recovery.
But I am equally concerned for the many witnesses and other members of the campus community who have been deeply traumatized by this event and are receiving counseling. We will continue to be offering counseling services in the days and weeks ahead.
The campus remains on precautionary lockdown as this incident is investigated and will continue to be closed through tomorrow (Thursday). The campus expects to resume normal operations on Friday.
I will keep you informed as further information becomes available.
Sincerely,
Dorothy Leland
Chancellor
