Community Safety Following Sunday's New Brunswick Shooting

September 14, 2020

Dear Members of the Rutgers–New Brunswick Community—

Many of us awoke Sunday to the news of an early-morning mass shooting that occurred just blocks away from our campus. The two victims who were killed and six others who were injured were not Rutgers students, but the proximity of this tragedy to our community leaves us heartbroken, shaken, and concerned about our own safety. On behalf of all of us, I extend sympathies to the families of the deceased, and we will keep all who were injured in our thoughts and prayers.

Unfortunately, we are not immune to the gun violence impacting the nation. New Jersey's Gun Violence Research Center, located at Rutgers, is committed to studying the causes, consequences and solutions to gun-related violence. Yet, we know these acts of violence can happen anywhere, at any time. For Rutgers, this shooting happened in an area of New Brunswick that is close to the heart of our campus and home to a significant number of our students.

Without question, the safety and well-being of our students is paramount, and we are doing everything possible to ensure they are safe and supported during this difficult time. Yesterday, Student Affairs staff, along with the Rutgers University Police Department, canvassed the area, reaching out to students and community members who live on Delafield Street. Understandably those impacted are shaken, and we will continue to support them in the days and weeks ahead.

This matter is being investigated by the New Brunswick Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office. At this time no arrests have been made. To ensure student safety, RUPD has enhanced patrols in the area. Requests for off-campus escort services can be made by calling (732) 932-7211.

Finally, we remind all students to remain aware of their surroundings, refrain from large gatherings, particularly during this COVID pandemic, and report suspicious activity or persons to the police immediately by calling or texting 911. Please also know that you are not alone and that a team of professionals is here to help. You can contact the Dean of Students Office at deanofstudents@echo.rutgers.edu.

Sincerely,

Christopher J. Molloy
Chancellor, Rutgers–New Brunswick