NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Christopher Newport University (CNU) has released more information after a suspect was arrested following reports of gunfire on campus early Tuesday morning.
Below is the timeline of events President William Kelly sent to the university community Tuesday afternoon, adding that he cannot release some information to protect the investigation.
3:06 a.m.
University police responded to a report of a disturbance in James River Residence Hall initiated by a person who had accompanied a visitor and was signed in as a guest of a resident. That disturbance included the activation of a fire alarm.
3:17 a.m.
As police were at James River, students called the dispatch center, reporting they had heard what they believed to be gunfire in the vicinity of the David Student Union.
3:20 a.m.
Within approximately three minutes, officers responded to the DSU and reported they had both the person and the firearm in custody. The person in custody was determined not to be a member of the university. First responders immediately took thorough, comprehensive steps to confirm there was no indication of an ongoing threat to campus.
4:04 a.m.
This message was sent out through the CNU Alert notification system: "CNU Police responded to a report of gunshots on campus. No known threat to the community at this time. Gun and individual are in custody."
4:19 a.m.
A more specific alert was pushed out to campus directing recipients to avoid the DSU.
4:42 a.m.
A third alert specifically requested that people avoid the DSU north eating area portico. Both of the follow-up messages reiterated that there was no known continuing threat to the university.
5:15 a.m.
Emergency Operation Center (EOC) was activated.
5:34 a.m.
In consultation with the Emergency Police Group (EPG), I determined the university would open and classes would be held as scheduled.
President Kelly also said, "We must prepare for moments like this and we do. Our Emergency Police Group and Emergency Management Teams represent key offices across campus and they meet monthly to review procedures."
The suspect has been identified as 28-year-old Kyle Emery Rumsey from Hayes.
He has been charged with five counts discharge of a firearm, five counts reckless handling of firearms, one count burglary and one cont malicious activation of a fire alarm.
Some students say they're still in shock.
"We didn't hear anything, we just woke up with alerts. Our room is right outside where it happened so I was kind of surprised" said a student.
That student added she's surprised the campus is operating as normal.
"I think that maybe there should've been a message from the president or something saying everyone can resume, everyone is safe. But it came out of no where I got a text saying classes will resume," the student added.
Stay with News 3 for updates.
