Multiple agencies are investigating an active shooter case that took place at Southeastern University around 8:15pm on Thursday, May 19, 2022 after a high school graduation had just finished up. Four people were shot, all with non-life threatening injuries. One person of interest has been arrested according to officials.
“A shooting has occurred on campus after the Hammond High graduation ceremony. One person is in custody and there are multiple victims. While there is no danger posed to others, please remain away from the UC area as police are still investigating the crime,” said Southeastern University in a social media post.
The graduation was for Hammond High Magnet School with nearly 300 students in attendance as well as their families. Hammond High will go virtual tomorrow, May 20th, but staff will be at school.
One witness told Unfiltered with Kiran she called 911 at 8:17pm after they heard five shots fired.
“My son and I grabbed my son’s girlfriend and her mom and we went running and dove to the ground. It was mad chaos with people running, screaming, pushing. We stayed on the ground until we thought the coast was clear so we all got up to start running inside the building and when we did, there were multiple gunshots being fired again,” said eyewitness Penny Lapre.
Lapre said she saw at least one person shot to the stomach in front of her. She said she also witnessed Hammond PD making at least one arrest.
Southeastern University did send out a message: “Police responding Stay clear of the area
The University Police are responding to shooting at the University Center stay clear of the area.”
Hammond Police posted to their Facebook page: “Active situation at the Southeastern Louisiana University Center. Please avoid the area due to the large crowd and traffic.”
It’s unclear at this time how many people were shot, injured and how many arrests have been made.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more becomes available.
When we start enforcing the law and holding these perpetrators responsible and severely punishing them this will continue!