The University of Virginia canceled classes Tuesday as it « continues to work through the emotional toll » of Sunday’s shooting that left three of the school’s football players dead and two others injured.
The University of Virginia canceled classes Tuesday as it “continues to work through the emotional toll” of Sunday’s shooting that left three of the school’s football players dead and two others injured.
The shooting prompted an hours-long manhunt extending from Sunday night into Monday morning. It ended when the alleged gunman, Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., was arrested in Henrico County, about 80 miles east of Charlottesville. Jones faces three charges of second-degree murder and three counts of using a handgun in the commission of a felony, UVA Police Chief Timothy Longo Sr. said Monday.
Police have not offered a motive for the attack.
The three players who died in the shooting were identified as wide receivers Devin Chandler and Lavel Davis Jr. along with linebacker D’Sean Perry, according to the university.
Two other students were also injured, but only one of them – Michael Hollins – was identified. The two wounded students are being treated at UVA Medical Center, with one in critical condition and the other in good condition, UVA spokesperson Brian Coy said, declining to name them.
A wave of support – both locally and nationwide – flowed into Charlottesville after the news broke Monday. The school held a candlelight vigil Monday, drawing hundreds to the campus, according to a tweeted photo from the school’s football team.
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The women’s basketball team at rival Virginia Tech wore “#HokiesforHoos” shirts Monday.
The University of Wisconsin, where Chandler previously played, released a statement saying their program was “deeply saddened ” by the tragic deaths.
“This is a difficult time for players and staff because of the lasting impact Devin had on his friends and teammates,” the statement read. “Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and the Virginia football family.”
Vice President Kamala Harris spoke on the shooting shortly after swearing in a new ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago on Monday.
“It’s tragic,” Harris said. “Of course, our prayers are with the families of the victims and it’s just yet a constant reminder that we have to do better in terms of gun safety laws in our country.
