BRIDGEWATER, Va. — Two officers were shot and killed at a private Virginia college Tuesday and a man was taken into custody, state police and school officials said.
Bridgewater College officials sent out a tweet in the early afternoon warning students and faculty about a shooter on campus. The college sent out a follow-up tweet about 2 p.m. saying police had apprehended a suspect after searching the campus but that students should continue sheltering in place. The college gave the all-clear about 4:30 p.m.
A statement from school president David W. Bushman identified the two officers as campus police officer John Painter and campus safety officer J.J. Jefferson. The statement noted that Painter was the best man at Jefferson’s wedding this year.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin tweeted that he had been briefed on the situation.
Bridgewater College is a private liberal arts college located about 125 miles (200 kilometers) northwest of Richmond. Historically affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, the school had an enrollment of about 1,500 full-time students in the fall of 2021, according to its website.
