Current Status:
This is an update and further detail on the overnight police activity on campus. University Police responded at 3:06am to a report of a disturbance in James River Residence Hall that included the activation of a fire alarm. Students called the police dispatch center at 3:17am, reporting they had heard what they believed to be gunfire in the vicinity of the David Student Union. At approximately 3:20am, University Police responded to the DSU and reported they had both the person and the firearm in custody. The person is not connected to the University and had sustained non-life threatening injuries prior to being taken into custody. First responders immediately took comprehensive steps to confirm there was no indication of an ongoing threat to campus. Through the CNU Alert notification system, updates were sent by text, phone calls, and emails to students, faculty and staff. Similar messages were sent simultaneously through the University’s official social media accounts and distributed to local media. An investigation indicated damage to a window of the Regattas dining hall and it will not be open for lunch. As a reminder, support services are available for students through the Counseling Services office in the Freeman Center or call 757-594-7047. Faculty and staff seeking resources, can contact the Human Resources Office. An additional update will be provided later today.
Emergency Notification System
Christopher Newport's emergency notification system (ENS) employs two primary electronic communication methods: text messaging and email.
In the event of a real-time emergency (e.g., tornado, shooter) where students, faculty and staff need to take immediate action, emergency management personnel will use the ENS to send a text message. Other ENS components, such as email, website features, calls to landlines and cellphones, social media posts, and on-campus computer overrides may also be used. Texts, emails and calls will be sent to all individuals registered in the CNU Alert system.
In all other cases where there is not an emergency or immediate threat, information will be sent by email to Christopher Newport University students, faculty and staff via the university's email service. This notification is intended only for members of the Christopher Newport University community who attend classes or work on campus so that they may make plans regarding their daily activities.