BREAKING NEWS: Students Injured in Northern Illinois University Shooting

Northern Illinois University is reporting a shooting on their campus with several injured and taken away by ambulance.

It is believed that a gunman on campus fired shots Thursday afternoon in a lecture hall and then turned the gun on himself. Students fled in search of safety. There are eyewitnesses that are helping to piece together this tragic event for officials.

The DeKalb Daily Chronicle said they heard over the police scanner that there were injuries after a shooting by a skinny white male with a shotgun and pistol. It's also stated that the stocking-masked gunman is the only confirmed death.

At least 15 students have been taken to the hospital, some of which have severe wounds to the head, eyes, and chest.

If you remember, NIU received an anonymous threat in December that made reference to the Virginia Tech shootings back in April. NIU sent the email releases to all University people that the threat was found on a restroom wall in one of the residence halls. The note said that "things will change most hastily." NIU took the threat seriously and tightened down on security and safety, not taking any chances.

If that is the case, how did this incident happen this afternoon? This story is still fresh and it will be interesting to learn more of the facts of what's going on as information is released. Was this shooting related to the December warning?

The following is an important Campus Alert found on NIU's website. If you are a student or have ties with anyone in the Northern Illinois University area, please check the University website for updates regularly.

NIU CAMPUS ALERT:

2/14/08

4:31 p.m.

All NIU students are asked to call their parents as soon as possible.

4:24 p.m.

Campus police reiterate that an immediate danger has passed. Students should return to their residence halls and stay there. All classes are cancelled and all NIU campuses are closed for tonight and tomorrow (2/15/08).

4:14 p.m.

Campus police report that the immediate danger has passed. The gunman is no longer a threat. All NIU classes are cancelled and campuses are closed for tonight and tomorrow. Students can go to any residence hall for counseling.

4:10 p.m.

Campus police report that the scene is secure. Only essential personnel should remain on campus.

The following hotlines are available for students & parents.

815-753-1573

815-753-6143

815-753-1574

815-753-1575

815-753-9564

815-753-6257

Counseling is also available on campus for students at the Neptune Dining Hall, Campus Life Building 100 and the Psychological Services Center in the Psychology/Computer Science Building.Its has been confirmed that there has been a shooting on campus and several people have been taken away by ambulance. All classses are cancelled on the DeKalb campus. People are urged not to come to campus. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

3:50 p.m.

Its has been confirmed that there has been a shooting on campus and several people have been taken away by ambulance. All classses are cancelled on the DeKalb campus. People are urged not to come to campus. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

3:40 p.m.

All classes on the DeKalb campus are cancelled for tonight.

3:20 p.m.

There has been a report of a possible gunman on campus. Get to a safe area and take precautions until given the all clear. Avoid the King Commons and all buildings in that vicinity.

Sources:
"Several people injured in shooting at NIU." Chronicle Staff, DeKalb Daily Chronicle.

"Campus Alert." Northern Illinois University.