3 killed, 2 wounded in shooting at University of Virginia

Three people were killed and two others were injured in a shooting at the University of Virginia on Sunday night, with students told to shelter in place for roughly 12 hours as law enforcement searched the area.

University of Virginia President Jim Ryan said officials have identified the suspect as student Christopher Darnell Jones Jr.

Jones has been taken into custody, according to local NBC affiliate WVIR.

“As of this writing, I am heartbroken to report that the shooting has resulted in three fatalities; two additional victims were injured and are receiving medical care,” Ryan wrote in a message to the campus community. “We are working closely with the families of the victims, and we will share additional details as soon as we are able.”

A University of Virginia police alert issued at about 10:30 p.m. on Sunday indicated shots were reported at a parking garage on Culbreth Road.

The department advised the community to shelter in place, leaving the order in place until about 12 hours later on Monday morning.

Police in lifting the order on Monday said law enforcement conducted a thorough search of campus grounds and nearby areas, adding a “large” police presence will remain.

Officials canceled classes on Monday because of the incident.

“This is a message any leader hopes never to have to send, and I am devastated that this violence has visited the University of Virginia. This is a traumatic incident for everyone in our community,” Ryan wrote.

Ryan described the suspect as being last seen wearing a burgundy jacket, blue jeans and red shoes.

The school’s police department released a photo of Jones that matches a biography page for him on the University of Virginia’s athletics website indicating he previously played football there.

“This morning, Suzanne and I are praying for the UVA community,” Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) wrote on Twitter. “Virginia State Police is fully coordinating with UVA police department and local authorities. Please shelter in place while the authorities work to locate the suspect.”

Updated: 11:20 a.m.