Timeline of Events Regarding the Shooting on the Morgan State University Campus

— Regarding the Shooting on the Morgan State University Campus —

On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at approximately 9:27 p.m. Morgan State University Police Department (MSUPD) heard and responded to shots fired in the vicinity of Thurgood Marshall Residence Hall and the Murphy Fine Arts Center on the campus of Morgan State University.

As the first law enforcement personnel on the scene, MSUPD discovered individuals who had sustained injuries and immediately began rendering aid while simultaneously containing the area surrounding Thurgood Marshall Residence Hall.

It was confirmed that five (5) individuals, four males and one female, were transported to area hospitals after suffering what was believed to be non-life-threatening injuries after being shot. Four (4) of the individuals were identified as Morgan students, ranging in age from 18-22 years old. No fatalities were reported.

At the advice of the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), who is leading the investigation into the shooting, Morgan State University issued a shelter-in-place order for the entire campus while law enforcement actively investigated what was initially believed to be an "active shooter" threat.

Morgan State University issued its first round of emergency alerts beginning at 9:30 p.m. via the University’s Text/Email Alert system, followed by subsequent communications at 10:05 p.m., 10:59 p.m., 11:54 p.m. and 12:13 a.m. More detailed campuswide email communications were disseminated at 10:35 p.m., 12:24 a.m., 12:29 a.m. and 2:24 a.m. Throughout this time, communications were also shared by way of social media, the University website and push notifications via the Morgan Mobile App.

The Baltimore Police Department led an active investigation supported by MSUPD along with other local, state and federal law enforcement personnel. During this investigation law enforcement personnel secured the Thurgood Marshall Residence Hall, the building closest to what is believed to be the epicenter of the shooting, clearing each floor and room to ensure no active threat remained on campus.

At approximately 12:25 a.m., after finding no active threat, MSUPD lifted the shelter-in-place order and Morgan State University released a campus-wide communication that the shelter-in-place order was lifted and shuttle services on campus would be restored.

At approximately 1:45 a.m., a public press conference, led by BPD, was held outdoors near the intersection of Argonne Drive and Hillen Road. During the press conference, leadership from BPD, MSUPD, City Hall and Morgan State University addressed a large contingent of media outlets, providing statements and answering questions.

Considering the events that transpired and in the abundance of sensitivity for the emotional wellbeing of the Morgan Community, particularly its student population, University Administration cancelled all classes scheduled for Wednesday, October 4, 2023. A communication reflecting this decision was disseminated to the campus community via an MSU Announce email, social media, MSU App push notification and the website homepage.

Students were then provided information regarding available mental health services and support. For students, the University Counseling Center is available to provide support and is by calling 800-422-0009. Additional counseling support was also made available via UWill Counseling Services, an online 24-hour counseling support service. Parents seeking information about their students were recommended to contact the dedicated staff from the Division of Student Affairs to affect a wellness check, if desired, by calling 443-885-3527. An onsite case work was on-hand to assist. 

On October 4, Morgan President David K. Wilson issued two communications (including a corresponding video) to the Morgan Community (students, faculty, staff and alumni). The first addressed the previous night’s incident while the latter addressed Homecoming activities and campus safety, unveiling the University’s intention to cancel classes for the week and homecoming-related activities. 

Late evening on Wednesday, October 4, the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), the lead investigator in the shooting that occurred on Morgan State University’s campus, released a video of several persons of interest possibly related to the incident that occurred. Investigators asked for help identifying the individuals seen in the video. Anyone with information in reference to the identity of these individuals was urged to call detectives at 410-396-2444 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7Lockup. See BPD official notice linked here: https://www.baltimorepolice.org/news/persons-interest-identities-sough

Morgan State University issued a campus-wide communication on the morning of Thursday, October 5, sharing the BPD video of the persons of interest, reiterating BPD’s message to help identify the individuals featured. The University also shared this message via social media and other platforms.

On the afternoon of Thursday, October 5, Morgan President David K. Wilson issued a parent-specific communication providing an update on campus security, the scheduling of classes, campus activities, and university operations addressing student needs. 

At 2:24 p.m. on Friday, October 6, Morgan State University hosted a press conference with BPD Police Commissioner Richard Worley, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Council President Nick Mosby and MSUPD Chief Lance Hatcher and Morgan President David K. Wilson along with representatives from the FBI and ATF to provide an update on the Oct. 3 campus shooting. Officials shared new details surrounding the investigating including verification of two gunman as confirmed by ballistic testing, the increased reward to $9,000 for any information to assist in the arrest of the assailants, the hospital release of four (4) of the five (5) injured, and increased security measures implemented at Morgan in response to the campus shooting incident.

On Friday, October 6, University administrators made the decision to return to academic instruction on Monday, October 9, 2023. Communications were sent to Morgan faculty and students detailing the University’s supportive approach to resuming classes in the originally scheduled modality for the remainder of the semester, further recognizing that this may be a challenge for some of our students. To that end, Morgan faculty will provide flexibility in responding to student needs for the next week. Students who may experience challenges with classes, have been instructed to contact their instructors as soon as possible to determine what options may be available.

At 9:40 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, Morgan disseminated a communication to the Morgan Community citing Baltimore Police Department’s (BPD) Shooting Detectives, alongside its local, state and federal law enforcement partners, including the Morgan State University Police Department (MSUPD), continue to actively investigate the shooting incident. Links to the joint press conference and the Metro Crimes Stoppers flyer were shared announcing a $9,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest and charges in this incident.

President David K. Wilson and members of the University’s administrative leadership team hosted a special virtual Parent Town Hall meeting on Saturday, October 7, at 6 p.m. to engage directly with parents, families and caretakers, in an effort to maintain open channels of communication providing updates and answering questions in an open forum.

Updated: 10/7/23 •  10:12am