Following news of an armed and dangerous person on the UNC campus, community members from around Chapel Hill, current UNC students and alumni shared messages of support online.

Both as the events of the afternoon unfolded, and after learning that a faculty member was shot and killed, people shared their reactions to social media. That included elected officials, ranging from Chapel Hill Town Council members to congressional representatives to the governor.

Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger wrote an open letter to the community Monday evening, saying it was “a sad day for our community” and expressing her pride in how residents came together to respond to the shooting across the town.

“We are heartbroken for the UNC students, faculty, and staff whose sense of safety on their beautiful campus was shattered by the day’s events and for those children, teachers, and staff who had to lock down on their first day back to our local schools,” wrote Hemminger. “We are grateful that safety protocols were in place.

“The details of what happened will become clear in the coming days,” the mayor continued. “In the meantime, we extend our thoughts, prayers, and support to the victims and their families, friends, and colleagues. We know that this will be a difficult time and encourage you to reach out to someone if you need any emotional or mental help.”

Additionally, Carolina alumni, current students, faculty of past and present, and members of the media shared their perspectives and emotions around the tense afternoon. Some chose to reflect on how gun violence had reached the heart of UNC’s campus and how Monday’s events reflect many other firearm incidents on college campuses.

It was no surprise to see many members of the UNC athletics community share their support for fellow Tar Heels too, as coaches, players, and Carolina staff from different programs posted words of empathy and encouragement.

 

Featured image via Johnny Andrews/UNC-Chapel Hill.

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