This is happening far too often on college campuses across the country.
A young college student-athlete is dead after an apparent argument led to someone pulling out a gun and shooting at a frat party meant to celebrate the beginning of a new semester.
Details via WXII 12:
Winston-Salem police say they responded to Wake Forest University around 1 a.m. after receiving a call that a fight had occurred and a gunshot was fired on campus.
Officers responded to the scene and found Najee Ali Baker, 21, with a gunshot wound. He immediately received medical attention and was taken to a local hospital where he later died, police say.
Baker was a Winston-Salem State University student, majoring in physical education, and a walk-on on the football team.
The Winston-Salem Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is leading the investigation with support from Wake Forest University Police and Winston-Salem State University Police.
Several students from Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University attended the event at The Barn and officials from both universities are working together to obtain information for authorities.
Baker was attending a party thrown by the Pi Omicron chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Police believe the shooter fled campus after the incident, however, are still increasing patrols on, and around campus until a suspect is found.
Wake Forest University President Nathan Hatch issued the following statement:
“At approximately 1 a.m. this morning, Najee Ali Baker, a student at Winston-Salem State University, was shot during an altercation at a party on campus in The Barn. I am deeply saddened to report that the student later succumbed to his injuries. My thoughts and prayers this morning are with the student’s family, friends and classmates, as well as our Wake Forest community.
There is no greater priority than the safety of our campus community and this incident is troubling and unsettling for all of us. Police are increasing security and patrols on campus and in the surrounding area.
Wake Forest offers support and counseling services for all students, faculty and staff. The Counseling Center may be reached at 336-758-5273, the Chaplain’s Office at 336-758-5210. For faculty and staff, there is also the Employee Assistance Program at 336-716-5493.
I am grateful for the partnership of Winston-Salem State University and the Winston-Salem Police Department, and all of the staff from several campus departments that responded in the early morning hours.”
This is a tragic situation all around, & hopefully, people come forward so justice can be served for this young man’s family. It’s one thing to fight, that happens. But, when you decide to pick up a weapon instead of just throwing hands & living to reconcile, things like this happen faster than you would believe, intent be damned.