Portland State community responds to Umpqua Community College shooting

This is an updated version of a story the Vanguard published online last week.

Last Thursday, an individual shot and killed nine people and injured nine more at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon. Shortly after exchanging fire with police officers, the gunman killed himself. This is, according to MSNBC, the 45th school shooting in the United States in 2015 alone.

Portland State President Wim Wiewel released the following statement shortly after the event:

I am horrified and deeply saddened by the tragic shooting at Umpqua Community College earlier today. My heart goes out to the victims and their families, as well as to the students, faculty and staff at the college. Portland State students who feel the need for additional support at this time, please contact the Student Health and Counseling Center at 503-725-2800. Faculty and staff may contact the Employment Assistance Program at 503-639-3009. Our number one concern is for the safety of our students, faculty and staff.

Associated Students of PSU President Dana Ghazi also released a statement.

“Our deepest condolences are with the students, families, and staff affected by today’s tragic shooting at Umpqua Community College,” it reads. Ghazi’s statement also echoes Wiewel’s insistence that PSU students take advantage of SHAC Counseling Services if they feel they need additional support.

To contact SHAC, please call 503-725-2800 or go to pdx.edu/SHAC for more information.