Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community,
As noted in the HOYAlerts you received yesterday evening, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a fatal shooting that occurred at the 300 block of F Street NW, just a block away from our Capitol Campus. According to MPD, a suspect has been apprehended and there is no active threat to the community. You may watch Mayor Browser’s press conference about the incident for more information.
We are deeply saddened by the news of this tragic killing, which took the lives of two Israeli Embassy staff members following an event held at the Capital Jewish Museum. While any act of violence is troubling, the targeted, antisemitic nature of this shooting is deeply upsetting. We strongly condemn antisemitism in all its forms and stand together with our Jewish community.
Given the close proximity of this incident to our academic spaces, the Capitol Campus Department of Public Safety (CC-DPS) is coordinating with MPD and has increased patrols on our Capitol Campus. We’re grateful for the members of our community who followed the directives shared via HOYAlerts yesterday evening and remind you of important safety resources that can help keep you and our campus safe:
- If You See Something…Say Something. Program the phone number for CC-DPS, (202) 662-9325, and for GUPD on the Hilltop Campus, (202) 687-4343, into your phones.
- If you are concerned about threatening behavior or are worried about potential violence to the university or someone at Georgetown, contact the Georgetown Threat Assessment Program.
- All community members should have received the HOYAlerts last night regardless of campus affiliation (i.e., Hilltop or Capitol) due to the nature of this incident. However, please take a moment to confirm your contact information is up-to-date in Rave to receive HOYAlerts via SMS text messaging, the fastest way the university can be in touch with you in case of emergency. You do not need to opt in for HOYAlerts for your primary campus; however, if you would like to opt in to receive all HOYAlerts for additional locations (e.g., opt in for all Capitol Campus alerts if you are based on the Hilltop Campus) you can do so in GU360.
- Use the LiveSafe Mobile App. LiveSafe is a personal security system that connects users with GUPD and CC-DPS when activated during an emergency situation.
- Sign up for AlertDC, which allows you to receive public safety alerts from MPD based on your location and timeframe preferences.
- Be attentive to your surroundings. Consider removing your earbuds when walking alone, especially at night. Choose well-traveled and lighted pathways. Always try to walk with a friend.
We recognize the deeply distressing nature of last night’s incident and share in the grief of all mourning the lives lost. If you need additional resources to support your mental well-being you can find them in our Every Hoya Cares online resource center. If you are in need of spiritual accompaniment, Campus Ministry chaplains and staff are available.
Sincerely,
Erik Smulson
Vice President for Public Affairs