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By James Bickerton
News Reporter
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Students at Worcester State University, in Massachusetts, have been instructed to shelter in place and stay away from windows following a double shooting, which reportedly took place outside an accommodation block.
Massachusetts State Police said one suspect had been taken into custody, with preliminary investigation indicating an altercation rather than a mass shooting. All university events both on and off campus have been canceled.
In an alert sent out to students at 2.49 a.m. on Saturday, the university said: "Shelter In Place is in effect /All buildings. Immediately proceed to a secure location on the interior of the building. Please do not go outdoors and remain away from windows or openings to the outside. Await further instructions. More information will be provided as it becomes available."
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On X, formerly Twitter, Worcester State posted: "Shelter In Place is in effect for All buildings. Await further instructions."
A Worcester State University Police Department employee told Newsweek that a shelter in place was in effect, but declined to give any further details.
At 5.15 a.m., Worcester State posted an update on X, saying students must continue to shelter in place, but adding that they are not at any immediate threat.
The university wrote: "WSU Alert 10/28/2023 5:15AM: Shelter in place remains, stay indoors. No immediate threat to campus. Please check your email for additional details & info."
Just over two hours later, at 7.30 a.m., Worcester State said it would remain closed throughout Saturday. They said: "WSU will be closed Saturday, October 28th due to and ongoing incident. ALL University events, on and off campus, are cancelled."
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In a statement, the Massachusetts State Police confirmed a shooting had taken place and said that two people had been transported to a local hospital.
The statement on X read: "At approximately 2:44 AM Worcester State University Police requested assistance following a double-shooting in the area of a parking garage. Worcester Police Department and Massachusetts State Police patrols responded to the scene. Two victims were transported to UMass Medical Center.
"A suspect was taken into custody by Worcester Police. Preliminary investigation suggests the incident was the result of an altercation and not an active shooter incident," the statement added.
The Worcester County DA's Office said neither the victims nor the arrested suspect are students at Worcester State University.
Posting on X earlier, Dylan Azari, a photographer who works for a number of local publications, posted: "BREAKING: Reported shooting outside Wasylean Hall at Worcester State University. The suspect remains at large at this time. The number of victims and their conditions are also currently unknown."
Azari accompanied this with a 15-second video clip showing at least six police cars outside the student accommodation block.
Worcester State is urging anyone with video or photos taken by Wasylean parking lot and/or Sheehan Hall around the time of the incident to get in touch.
Newsweek has contacted the Massachusetts State Police for comment by telephone.
UPDATE, 10/28/23, 5:49 a.m.: Latest updates from Worcester State University added.
UPDATE, 10/28/23, 9:11 a.m.: Updates from Worcester State University and the Massachusetts State Police added.
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