Worcester State University lifts shelter-in-place order after double shooting

Worcester State University lifted its shelter-in-place alert at 9:28 a.m. Saturday morning after a double-shooting, according to officials.

The school asked anyone who noticed anything unusual or suspicious to contact campus police.

The school issued a shelter-in-place order at 2:49 a.m. Saturday after two people were shot and taken to UMass Medical Center, according to Massachusetts State Police.

“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,” according to the alert posted on the university’s website.

Massachusetts State Police said the shooting happened shortly before 3 a.m. near Wasylean Hall and Sheehan Hall. “Preliminary investigation suggests the incident was the result of an altercation and was not an active shooter incident,” Dave Procopio, director of media communications, said in a press release.

“It is premature to state that a suspect is in custody. Investigators are still probing all the facts and circumstances of the incident,” Procopio said in a statement, correcting an earlier statement by state police that a suspect had been apprehended.

The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement that neither the victims nor the suspected assailants are students of Worcester State University.

At 5:15 a.m., the university posted an update, saying, “The shelter-in-place remains, please remain indoors. There is no immediate threat to campus. The Wasylean lot will remain closed until further notice. Anyone with knowledge, video, or images of the Wasylean lot is asked to come forward to WSU staff and WSUPD in the Sheehan Multipurpose Room.”

The university, about 50 miles west of Boston, was closed Saturday. All events on and off campus have been canceled, according to the university’s website.

Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts State Police Troop C, the Worcester State University Police Department, and the Worcester Police Department continue to investigate.

The university offered counseling resources to staff and students. They advised those needing counseling to email [email protected] to schedule an appointment. Students may also take advantage of walk-in hours between 10 a.m. and noon and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday for confidential support. There are also 24-hour confidential support lines: Resilient U at 833- 434- 1217 and the Employee Assistance Program at 1-844-263-1982.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.