Morgan State University cancels homecoming events, classes as search continues for shooter

BALTIMORE -- Morgan State University has canceled all homecoming activities, events and classes for the week following a mass shooting Tuesday night that shook the campus.

University President Dr. David Wilson sent out a letter saying safety concerns were the reason the activities were canceled.

"Today, we unfortunately find ourselves navigating this tragic event during a time at which we should be celebrating our National Treasure during Homecoming," Dr. Wilson said. "Please understand that the safety of our campus is of the utmost importance and our resolve in ensuring that we have a secure campus is paramount."

This is the first time in school history that all homecoming events have been canceled.

On Tuesday night, five people, including four students were injured by gunfire following a shooting on campus.

The shooting happened shortly after the crowning of Mr. and Ms. Morgan State University, a kickoff to homecoming week events at the school.

Investigators believe there was a dispute between two groups when gunfire erupted near a dorm on the university's campus, Acting Police Commissioner Richard Worley said Wednesday. At least three people are believed to have been armed.   

No arrests have been made.

Some students who returned to the campus on Wednesday said they felt uneasy about it.

 "It's been quiet on campus," freshman Sidney Edwards.

Another freshman, Tara Turner said she was just trying to get through the day.

Turner was on campus when gunfire rang out on Tuesday night. 

She said she was one of many people who was on lockdown inside of a campus building.

"I was looking out the windows," she said. "People were going out on stretchers. I saw the caution tape...It was a lot to see."

Dr. Wilson said more security measures are being implemented on campus following the shooting.

The school canceled these homecoming activities:

• The Homecoming concert
• Silent Headphones Party
• Homecoming Pep Rally
• Homecoming Parade and all other on-campus events including the volleyball match
• The Homecoming football game
• 39th annual Homecoming Gala

"We strongly believe that this moment calls for reflection, thus allowing our students, faculty and staff the opportunity to focus on their mental wellness."

Freshman Sidney Edwards said she was disappointed by the decision to cancel the events surrounding Homecoming 2023.

"It's my first year here," Edwards said. "So, I was excited about homecoming and activities, but I understand it."

That isn't the first time shots have been fired during homecoming week at Morgan State.

In October 2022, a 20-year-old was injured in a shooting at an unsanctioned homecoming party in front of Morgan State's Student Center.

In 2021, an 18-year-old Morgan State student was injured in a shooting on campus following homecoming activities.

Four weeks later, police arrested Marcellus Walls, an 18-year-old from Washington, D.C.

WJZ checked on Morgan State's homecoming security procedures.

After the shooting in 2022, the campus upped security by adding more police officers and lighting, limiting access to some areas and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol, smoking and weapons.

Morgan State also requires all homecoming events to be over by 7 p.m. and the campus cleared by 9 p.m.

However, with these measures in place, some students still wonder why the violence continues happening. 

"It's like why haven't you taken the necessary precautions from the first time that it happened for it to never happen again," freshman Cormari Wachuku said "And it's like this time it's not only one person getting shot."