Dear Parents, Loved Ones, and Guardians of NYU Students,
Yesterday, we had a highly unusual incident for NYU: a student injured by gunfire. As the person entrusted with campus safety, I wanted you to hear from me directly.
At about 3:00 pm yesterday, a student who was standing in the public plaza outside our school of engineering in Downtown Brooklyn, an area known as MetroTech, was struck in the arm by a stray bullet or a ricochet. He was a bystander, not a target; it is believed that the incident began with a dispute elsewhere in the vicinity.
After being struck, the student entered one of our buildings, where emergency services responded and took him to the hospital. NYU personnel went to the hospital where the student was taken, and was in touch right away with the family. I am glad to report that the student has been discharged from the hospital and is with his family, and am relieved that his wounds were not more serious and that he is recovering.
I could note that NYU’s facilities are in safe neighborhoods in one of the — if not the — safest large cities in the US. I could note that New York’s reduction in crime over the last three decades is notable. And those facts are part of what makes yesterday’s incident in Brooklyn all the more shocking to us.
But I am a parent, too. I know that when events like yesterday’s happen, it’s not about what the crime stats show. It’s about concern for your child’s safety.
The Department of Campus Safety has dispatched additional officers to Tandon; we hope that the presence of additional uniformed officers will have both the effect of deterrence and reassurance to NYUers in Brooklyn who are understandably uneasy about yesterday’s events. And we have made mental health resources available to students, faculty, and employees who may be feeling vulnerable following yesterday’s events.
While our Campus Safety Officers are an important part of keeping NYU community members safe, their jurisdiction does not extend to New York City’s public spaces, plazas, streets, and sidewalks. For that reason, the University will also be contacting the City and its law enforcement agencies about taking additional measures to curb criminal activity, and particularly measures aimed at curbing violence and gun-related incidents. We want them to fully understand — and share — our deep concern about this episode, and the need for an effective response from them for our community in Brooklyn (Tandon, 370 Jay, etc.), as well as for our neighbors.
NYU knows that you entrust us not just with your student’s education, but also with their well-being and safety. I want you to know that that is a responsibility that we take seriously, and it is at the forefront of our thoughts and decision-making all the time. NYU is deeply concerned about this incident, and will be focused on what can be done to enhance safety for every member of the NYU community, especially our students.
Sincerely,
Fountain Walker
Vice President for Global Campus Safety