North Carolina Central University (NCCU) prepared and executed a comprehensive security protocol in preparation for the celebration of the Ultimate Homecoming Experience on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Despite this extensive preparation, it is not possible to entirely prevent random acts of violence. Unfortunately, our campus was visited by two such incidents that impacted the joy and enthusiasm felt by our campus community and guests during this celebration. The NCCU Police Department responded quickly and admirably to address the incidents and restore a sense of calm to the community.
This message is provided to share details of our security protocol for the Ultimate Homecoming Experience and an update on the two incidents for which the university issued campus alerts on the evening of Oct. 26, 2024.
Security protocol
Campus safety is a top priority for NCCU.
For gameday, the NCCU Police Department coordinated a large law enforcement presence featuring over 100 sworn law enforcement and uniformed security officers from multiple local and state agencies who were on site throughout the day.
Areas of high population were managed with controlled access barriers and monitored with drones to complement the K-9 units and undercover officers deployed in those areas. The university deployed parking access control points and controlled the flow of vehicular traffic through and around campus. Further, there are more than 1850 security cameras monitored throughout campus.
Prior to Saturday, the university shared “know before you go” information about game-day security practices, including the university’s clear bag policy and North Carolina State general statutes on alcohol, with the campus community and the public via email, social media and the university’s website.
Active Shooter alerts
Two unrelated shooting incidents occurred on Saturday evening.
At approximately 7:43 p.m., NCCU Police Department received reports of shots fired and an alert was immediately issued to the campus. Law enforcement officers in the area responded within seconds and were supported by a drone which conducted aerial surveillance. Their investigation determined that there were no gunshot related injuries, though three shots were fired into the air. This incident took place in the parking lot behind the Debra Saunders-White Residence Hall. The police took one suspect in custody and issued an all clear to the campus at approximately 8:11 p.m.
In the wake of this first incident, the university began suspending activities and started clearing the campus.
During the sweep of the campus, law enforcement officers in the area heard gunshots, immediately responded to the scene and issued a separate alert to campus at approximately 8:59 p.m. Their investigation of this separate incident determined that four individuals, including one NCCU student, sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds in the vicinity of the Student Services Building located on Eagle Campus Dr. These individuals have received medical attention at a local hospital. The campus was placed on lockdown until the NCCU Police Department issued an all clear to the campus at approximately 11:48 p.m.
State and local law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigations into both incidents. As this is an ongoing investigation, no further information will be released at this time. NCCU would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all law enforcement agencies for their assistance during these incidents.
The university has support resources for students, faculty and staff to utilize as needed. Students who would like to speak with a counselor may visit the NCCU Counseling Center during drop-in hours Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. or call the NCCU Counseling Center’s 24-hour line at 919-530-7646. Faculty and staff may utilize the ComPsych guidance resources on the university’s HR page.
