Two Bridgwater College officers were shot and killed Tuesday afternoon. The man accused of shooting them is now charged with capital murder and other counts.
The officers were identified as Campus Police Officer John Painter and Campus Safety Officer J.J. Jefferson.
(3/6) These officers were close friends, known to many of us as the “dynamic duo.” John was J.J.’s best man in his wedding this year. They were beloved by students, faculty and staff. I hurt for their families and loved ones, as I know we all do.
— Bridgewater College (@BridgewaterNews) February 2, 2022
During a news conference Tuesday evening, a state police spokeswoman identified the suspect as Alexander Wyatt Campbell of Ashland. Campbell is being held in the Rockingham County Jail on multiple murder charges.
Authorities said Painter and Jefferson responded to reports of a suspicious person around Memorial Hall Tuesday afternoon. After a brief interaction, police said the man, later identified as Campbell, opened fire on the officers and ran from the area. The spokesperson said no students were in the area at the time of the shooting.
As other law enforcement agencies responded to the campus south of Harrisonburg, a person fitting the suspect's description was seen off campus in the town of Bridgewater. The man waded across a shallow river to an island. Officers took Campbell into custody there without further incident.
A man was taken into custody by law enforcement following an active shooter alert at Bridgewater College on Tuesday. Photo by Daniel Lin. @DNRnews https://t.co/C5w7DlGOs1 pic.twitter.com/TQPV7A9oMW
— Ian Munro - Daily News-Record (@iamIanMunro) February 1, 2022
The spokesperson said Campbell had a non-life threatening gunshot wound when he was arrested. Authorities are still trying to determine if the wound was self-inflicted or if he had been shot by Painter during the initial encounter. Police said multiple firearms connected to Campbell were recovered both on and off campus.
Authorities would not comment on any potential connection between Campbell and the college community.
College President David Bushman said classes are canceled Wednesday. He called for members of the community to rally around and support each other.
