Multiple people wounded in overnight shooting at Oklahoma State University

STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA: Multiple people, including at least one student, were injured in a shooting at Oklahoma State University’s main campus in Stillwater early Sunday morning, October 19, according to the university police.

Officers responded around 3.40 am to reports of gunfire at Carreker East, a three-story residence hall, after victims began arriving at off-campus locations seeking help.

Police initially said there were three victims, but later OSU Police Chief Michael Beckner confirmed that the number was higher and at least one of them was a student.

The injured are being treated at local hospitals in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, with authorities reportedly saying that their conditions vary.

Police say the shooting followed an off-campus party

Investigators believe that the violence may have stemmed from a large private party held off-campus earlier in the night.

“Initial reports indicate a large, private party occurred at an off-campus location. After the gathering disbanded, some attendees returned to Carreker East where the shooting occurred,” the police said in a statement.

Authorities have not yet identified any suspects or made arrests, but are urging witnesses to come forward.

Students who do not reside in Carreker East have been asked to avoid the area while police continue their investigation.

“OSU law enforcement is on scene and investigating,” the department has said. “We are working closely with local and state authorities to ensure campus safety.”

They also added, "The suspect is no longer on campus."

The shooting has rattled the Stillwater campus, where students awoke to emergency alerts and police activity surrounding the residence hall.

University officials have assured that counseling services would be made available and that security patrols would be increased across campus.

Part of a broader surge in campus shootings

In Mississippi, nine to ten people were reportedly killed in separate shootings in Leland, Heidelberg, Alcorn State University, and Jackson State University as schools celebrated homecoming events last week.

Earlier this month, on October 4, South Carolina State University was placed on lockdown after two unrelated shootings on campus reportedly left one person dead and two others injured.

As investigations continue in Stillwater, Oklahoma State University has joined a growing list of campuses grappling with questions of safety and the rising toll of gun violence in academic settings.

OSUPD has said that it will release updates as information becomes available.