Howard University Launches Investigation into Violent Attack on Campus
Howard University, a prestigious historically black college in Washington, D.C., is currently investigating a violent attack that occurred on campus on August 14th. The incident involved a male victim who was stabbed and robbed by an off-campus assailant near Howard Plaza Towers. The victim was later hospitalized, as confirmed by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
While the investigation is still ongoing, Howard officials suspect that a group of adolescents are responsible for the attack and robbery, targeting the victim for items including his mobile phone. The crime took place between 1 to 3 a.m. on the 2200 block of Sherman Avenue, coinciding with Howard’s annual move-in weekend for incoming freshman students.
The incident has sparked concerns among the Howard University community, especially among the incoming students. Skyler Wills, an incoming freshman majoring in business management, expressed mixed feelings about the incident. As a local resident, Wills stated that he doesn’t feel personally threatened but acknowledged that non-locals might feel differently. He also highlighted the presence of security measures on campus, which makes him feel safe at night.
According to the victim, the assault, stabbing, and robbery occurred at around 2:30 a.m. However, officers were not dispatched until two hours later, at 4:43 a.m. The exact timing of the incident remains unclear, with conflicting reports from various sources. The Howard University Department of Public Safety (HUDPS) initially mentioned in an email to the community that the crime was reported at approximately 1:50 a.m.
Howard University has taken prompt action in response to the incident. In an email to the Howard community, exiting president Wayne A. I. Frederick stated that the university’s safety plan will involve closer coordination and partnership with the MPD. The university also held an online town hall meeting on August 15th to address the incident and discuss public safety measures.
During the town hall meeting, Marcus Lyles, the Executive Director and Chief of the Department of Public Safety, announced that a campus police lieutenant had been suspended and a security contractor had been dismissed due to issues with their response to the incident.
Student leaders at Howard University have also actively voiced their concerns and called for increased safety measures. Fraternities like Omega Psi Phi and Phi Beta Sigma have issued statements advocating for enhanced campus safety.
In light of the recent incident, Howard University conducted its annual Safety Fair on August 17th. The fair, organized by HUDPS, featured the participation of the MPD, the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, the FBI, FEMA, and other university divisions. The event aimed to educate students about safety precautions and provide them with resources on topics such as fire safety, sexual violence prevention, and general safety training.
Howard University remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its students. The university counseling service and the Office of Interpersonal Violence Prevention are actively involved in supporting students affected by the incident and promoting awareness of interpersonal violence and preventative measures.
As the Howard community prepares for the start of classes later this month, the university continues to address the concerns surrounding the recent escalation in violence on campus. Through ongoing investigations, increased security measures, and collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies, Howard University aims to create a safe and secure environment for its students, faculty, and staff.
