Search continues for shooter after three shot, multiple injured at Livingstone College homecoming concert

SALISBURY, N.C. (WBTV) - Monday is the first day of classes since a shooting on the campus of Livingstone College at a homecoming concert Saturday night, and efforts to find the person or persons responsible continue.

Officers arrived on the West Monroe Street campus at approximately 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15 after reports of shots fired came in from a concert on campus by the rap artist Asian Doll. Initially, authorities said they found two people shot and other associated injuries from attendees fleeing. At this time, there is no active threat to the College or the community.

By Monday morning, that number had increased to three. According to police, one female victim received a graze wound and was treated and released from Novant Health Rowan Regional Medical Center. One male victim was flown to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, and is listed in stable condition with a gunshot wound. Another man was also taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries.

Livingstone College said the people shot were not Livingstone College students but members of the community attending the concert.

“We were just trying to have fun,” said J’lynn Wilson, a junior at the school. “When you destroy someone’s experience, your homecoming experience, it kind of messes it up.”

“I don’t care what you’re mad about, you could kill somebody like somebody could be dead...because of what, a fight? Ignorant and dumb,” added Alanna Pendergast, who was also at the concert.

The investigation indicates that there was no exchange of gunfire by those involved in the altercation and a person who isn’t a student at the college fired one or more shots.

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“Tragically, gun violence is a reality in every city and town in America. Unfortunately, a homecoming event for our alumni, students and friends turned violent when two members of the local community had a verbal altercation that led to shots being fired,” said Livingstone College President Dr. Anthony J. Davis.

Two Livingstone College students were injured fleeing from the altercation. The Salisbury Police Department is investigating. No suspects have been arrested at this time.

“I’m saddened that after a week of homecoming activities without incident, our students, alumni, their families and friends had to witness this senseless act of gun violence. My prayer is that the community will respond to Livingstone College in the same manner it responded when gunfire erupted at a holiday basketball tournament in December,” Davis said.

That basketball tournament took place on the campus of Catawba College. On Sunday, Catawba President David Nelson issued the following statement:

“Catawba College stands in solidarity with the entire Livingstone College community as it copes with the recent shooting on their campus. We hope and pray for a full recovery of everyone injured. Words are insufficient to describe our grief and anger at this senseless act of violence. All campuses should be safe havens for living and learning. Our hearts and hopes for healing are with the students, faculty, staff, and alumni at Livingstone now and in the weeks to come.”

“Our students, alumni and their families did not deserve this. My prayer is that the perpetrators be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law swiftly and decisively,” Davis added.

“Our priority is and remains to ensure the mental wellness of our students and to evaluate our public safety measures to create a safe, living, learning and working environment,” said Livingstone President Dr. Anthony J. Davis. “I am saddened because our students, alumni, family and friends were exposed to this senseless act of violence. We are working collaboratively with our local law enforcement agencies as they are conducting a thorough investigation. Please pray for us in the coming days and weeks ahead.”

“There is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of our community, particularly of our young people. I, and all of the members of City Council, offer our full support to the entire Livingstone College family during this difficult time,” said Salisbury Mayor Karen Alexander “We lift up Dr. Davis, Livingstone students, staff and alumni in prayer as our community deals with this senseless act of violence,”

The Salisbury Police Department is still investigating. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Lt. Crews at (704) 638-5333 or send a private message to the Salisbury Police Department Facebook or Twitter pages at @SalisburyNCPD.

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