A tense evening unfolded near Stockton University in southern New Jersey after reports of gunfire led officials to issue a campus-wide shelter-in-place order. Authorities have now confirmed that a suspect is in custody, and the immediate threat to the community has been neutralized.
The Incident
According to Galloway Township Police, shots were fired late Thursday night near the residential perimeter of Stockton University, prompting an emergency alert to students and staff. The university activated its shelter-in-place protocol, urging everyone on campus to stay indoors, lock doors, and avoid windows.
Police officers and campus security responded swiftly, locking down surrounding areas and sweeping campus buildings. Law enforcement has not released the suspect’s name or motive but confirmed that the individual was taken into custody without further incident.
No injuries were reported, though several witnesses described hearing multiple shots near a student housing complex just outside the main campus.
Student Reactions
Many students shared their experiences on social media, describing the fear and uncertainty as alerts came through their phones.
“We were huddled in the library for almost two hours,” said one student. “It was scary not knowing what was happening outside, but the campus alerts kept us informed.”
Parents were seen rushing to the campus area, though police urged them to stay away until the lockdown was lifted.
Official Response
Stockton University released a statement thanking students, faculty, and staff for their cooperation during the emergency:
“The safety of our community remains our top priority. We are grateful for the rapid response from local and state law enforcement.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s office also issued a brief note acknowledging the incident, stating that state authorities were monitoring the situation closely.
Broader Context
Campus safety has been an ongoing concern nationwide. Universities across the United States have tightened security measures following a series of high-profile campus shootings in recent years. Stockton University, known for its strong community ties in Atlantic County, has rarely seen violence of this scale near its campus.
This incident comes amid renewed debates about campus security protocols and access to firearms. Experts emphasize that while lockdown drills and alerts save lives, prevention remains the ultimate goal.
What’s Next
Police said the investigation is ongoing, and more details about the suspect’s background and possible motives are expected to be released in the coming days. For now, normal campus operations are set to resume, though counseling services have been made available to students and staff who may have been shaken by the night’s events.
