Baltimore Police are investigating a reported “active shooter situation” in the area of the 1700 block of Argonne Drive. The university’s Murphy Fine Arts Center also sits on this block, where Morgan’s annual Mister and Miss Morgan State University Coronation Ball was held.
It has been confirmed that 5 people were injured in the shooting–4 Morgan students and 1 individual that is not tied to the university. None of the victims are in critical condition at this time.
Police and university leaders previously advised students to shelter-in-place. President David Wilson, who attended the coronation event, has canceled all classes for Wednesday, Oct. 4.
“All you heard was loud banging on the outside [of Murphy Fine Arts center] and then all you hear is loud banging on the outside and a crowd of people, like a large amount of people– old, young and everything running, administration, alumni, family and students in general,” said Ka’may Sterling, junior sociology major.
Sterling said that she, following what sounded like gunshots, ran back into the building and took shelter in a men’s restroom alongside what she can only recall as “a lot” of other students.
A few minutes later, Sterling said, she and her friends left the bathroom and ran to the car. She said she decided to run rather than continuing to hide because of “survivor instincts.” She said she felt safer beside five of her friends as they ran as a group.
Jaleyah Morton, senior multimedia journalism major, recounted the traumatic events that led to her currently being forced to shelter in place.
“We were leaving Murphy [Fine Arts Center] to head to the [University Student Center] ballroom with intentions of having fun and we heard gun shots. I started running to my car when one of my friends picked me up and carried me to their car. My ears are still ringing from the gunshots. Currently I’ve been in the ballroom for 2+ hours waiting to go home.”
Christian Gatlin, junior business administration major, said he heard something that sounded like it was coming from helicopters above, urging students to shelter in place. He said he returned to his home in Morgan View Apartments and urged any students he passed to go home.
Gatlin said it was scary and he called his friends and parents on the way home to confirm he was safe.
According to Yasmine Bryant, senior political science major and founder of Students Against Sexual Harassment and Assault (SASHA), a few local hotels are offering shelter to Morgan students in need. “However, we are not sharing the locations to ensure student safety,” Bryant said.
Police ask concerned family members to avoid the campus area. A statement from the Baltimore police wrote “[Families] should report to the Safeway parking lot at 4401 Harford Rd. An officer will be available at that location.”
No arrests have been made at this time. The investigation remains active.
Spokesman staff will update this story as information becomes available.
