Kennesaw, GA – Kennesaw State University (KSU) confirmed the tragic death of a female student who was shot and killed this weekend during a dispute outside the Austin Residence Complex. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has left the university community in shock and mourning.
According to KSU officials, the shooting took place in front of the Austin Residence Complex following a dispute, after which the suspect fled the campus. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victim’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” KSU President Kathy Schwaig said in a statement released on Sunday.
The university has identified the suspect, who is not a KSU student. He has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. The suspect’s identity has not been disclosed pending further investigation.
On Saturday afternoon, the school’s Office of Emergency Management issued an alert warning of an armed intruder on campus. Just over half an hour later, the office updated the alert to report that an individual had been shot and advised students to avoid the South Campus housing area due to ongoing police activity.
By Sunday, KSU confirmed that the suspect had been detained by local police and no longer posed a threat to the campus community. The university stated that its police department is collaborating with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) on the case. A spokesperson for the GBI also confirmed their involvement in assisting with the investigation.
This tragic event marks the second time this year that KSU has reported an armed intruder on campus. In January, police were called to respond to a similar situation involving “armed suspects,” but that incident concluded without any shootings or fatalities.
The university community is now grappling with the aftermath of this weekend’s violence, as students, faculty, and staff come together to support one another and honor the memory of the young student whose life was abruptly and senselessly taken.
