Gov. Cooper orders flags at half-staff as community reacts to deadly UNCC shooting

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - “Heartbreaking” is the sentiment shared by many in the state of North Carolina after a deadly shooting on UNC Charlotte’s campus Tuesday.

Nearing the end of the Spring semester, two people lost their lives and four others were seriously injured on UNC Charlotte’s campus. The city of Charlotte mourned as a community.

The shooting happened around 5:40 p.m. An alert sent by UNCC Emergency Management said shots were reported near the Kennedy Hall building.

Two people were killed in the shooting. Three other victims with life-threatening injuries and one more with non-life threatening injuries were rushed to Carolinas Medical Center.

Governor Roy Cooper ordered all North Carolina flags at state buildings and facilities be at half-staff through sunset Friday to honor the victims.

From state government and city leaders to schools, student organizations and professional sports teams, the state of North Carolina reacted to the news of the deadly shooting Tuesday.

“This is the saddest day in UNC Charlotte’s history," UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip L. Dubois said in a message in response to the shooting.

“The entire UNC Charlotte community shares the shock and grief of this senseless, devastating act. This was an attack on all of Niner Nation,” Dubois added. “The days ahead will be some of the most challenging we have ever encountered. All I can say for certain is that we will get through them together.”

School officials say exams remain canceled through Sunday as the university remains in a C2 suspended operation status.

UNC Board of Governors Chair Harry Smith and UNC System Interim President Bill Roper issued a joint statement in response to Tuesday’s shooting:

“We are devastated to learn of the act of violence that occurred earlier on the campus of UNC Charlotte, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families. The University of North Carolina System stands in solidarity with UNC Charlotte and stands ready with assistance for the students, faculty, and staff affected."

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said the events were tragic, and he commended first responders and their quick actions.

Mayor Vi Lyles sent a statement on Twitter about the shooting. She said she was in shock to hear the horrible news.

Other local leaders who reacted to the shooting included several North Carolina law enforcement agencies, several members North Carolina’s congress, the Charlotte City Council, NC House Speaker Tim Moore, former Mayor of Charlotte Jennifer Roberts, North Carolina Association of Educators President Kevin J. Rogers and more.

“North Carolina’s educators mourn the senseless loss of life and act of violence this evening at UNC-Charlotte,” Rogers said.

Other North Carolina schools and universities reacted to news of the deadly shooting Tuesday including The University of North Carolina system, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Appalachian State University, Gardner-Webb University, Wingate University, Western Carolina University, North Carolina State’s Student Government Association and more.

“We are devastated to learn of the violence that occurred on the campus of UNC Charlotte, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families,” the UNC System tweeted.

“Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) extends deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims of today’s violence on the campus of UNC Charlotte,” CMS said in a statement.

Several sports organizations and professional athletes tweeted their support Tuesday including the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, Greensboro Swarm, Kannapolis Intimidators, Charlotte Checkers and Wells Fargo Golf.

The Charlotte Knights said the team will wear Charlotte 49ers hats during their 11:05 a.m. game on Wednesday. They also announced they will hold a moment of silence in the third inning during Wednesday’s game against the Gwinnett Strippers.

The Charlotte Checkers tweeted that UNC Charlotte students, faculty, staff and their families are welcome to two free tickets to the Checkers game Friday, May 3.

Thousands of people tweeted the hashtag #CharlotteStrong in support of the victims, students and families affected by the deadly shooting.

There will be a candlelight vigil Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Star Quad on UNC Charlotte’s campus.

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