Woman, 18, Shot Dead at Delaware State University, Campus Closed: 'Tragic Incident'
An investigation is ongoing after police received a call for shots fired in the early hours of Monday, April 21
An 18-year-old woman has died after a shooting on the Delaware State University campus.
The Dover Police Department confirmed an investigation had been launched after they received a call at approximately 1:40 a.m. local time on Monday, April 21.
"DSU Police received a call for shots fired on campus, in the area Warren-Franklin Hall. Officers responded and located the victim, an 18-year-old female of Wilmington, who had sustained a gun shot wound to her upper body," police confirmed in a press release.
DSU Police has identified the victim as Camay Mitchell DeSilva. She was transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus for treatment. She later died as a result of her injuries.
"She was not a registered student of the University. No other injuries were reported. At this time, no suspect description is available," the press release stated.
The university confirmed the campus would be closed on Monday, April 21, and Tuesday, April 22 and counseling services would be available to those affected. “The DSU Police Department and staff will continue to take all necessary actions to ensure the health and well-being of our campus community," a DSU statement read.
"Counseling services are available in the Tubman Laws Hall housing office. The campus is closed today, events have been canceled, and police patrols have been increased. No visitation will be permitted today," the statement added.
DSU president Tony Allen called the shooting a "tragic incident." "The assailants fled, and University police and local law enforcement are investigating the crime. "First, let me say that whoever believes that settling disagreements of any kind should be met with physical violence—including the threat of and eventual use of firearms—is simply not welcomed here," his message, shared via the university's Facebook page, read.
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"Delaware State University is an institution of significant historical and contemporary importance to our community and our country. It is not a place to harbor those who have no respect for these hallowed, sacred grounds," Allen added. "Our job is to educate global citizens. Period. Full Stop."
The statement continued, "Violence of any kind, particularly gun violence, happens too often on college campuses – large and small – throughout the country. It does not make it acceptable, and it will never be rationalized away, minimized or normalized here. Let us make sure we are collectively resolute on this point."
"Second, the young lady tragically killed was merely 18 years old. Although she was not one of our students, she was a daughter, a beloved family member, and a friend; and, senselessly, her life was cut short. We should pray for better days and pray for the safety and well-being of our campus as a whole," Allen wrote, noting, "At this university, we are family."
"An event that affects the safety of one of us affects all of us. That means each of us is responsible for holding one another accountable, saying so when something does not seem, sound, or look right, and denying wrongdoing in all its forms, no matter the person or the circumstance," he said.
PEOPLE reached out to the Dover Police Department and Delaware State University, but they did not immediately respond for comment.
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