Commencement 2023 Safety

Dear Howard University Community,

Off-Campus Shooting Update

Dear Howard University Community,

We are writing to update you on reports of an off-campus shooting this morning near the 2200 block of Georgia Ave., NW. The Metropolitan Police Department has concluded its investigation of the incident and has determined it to be an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Crime Alert - Armed Robbery

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Howard University Department of Public Safety (DPS) are investigating an armed robbery reported in the 2400 block of 6th Street NW.

A complainant reported being assaulted at gunpoint by an African American male, 6'1" with locked hair and wearing all black clothing, who forcibly took a laptop and keys inside of a first-floor bathroom in a nearby building. The suspect fled onto Georgia Ave., where the bookbag was retrieved immediately following the assault. 

Crime Alert - Auto Theft

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Howard University Department of Public Safety (DPS) are investigating an auto theft reported in the 600 block of Girard St, NW.  

A complainant reported the car missing at approximately 5:30 p.m. The vehicle is described as a black 2021 Kia Soul with ​Illinois license plates #CN7902. There is currently no description for possible suspects. 

Residence Hall Safety Update

Dear Bison Community,  
 
We want to thank our student body for its work in building our campus safety culture throughout this academic year. With just a few months to go before the close of this semester and our annual commencement exercises, we greatly appreciate the work of our campus leaders, organizational members, and advocates who promote best practices in safety and awareness.

Bomb Threat - WHUR/WHUT Complex

The Metropolitan Police Department and the HU Department of Public Safety are investigating a bomb threat made to WHUR this morning. A shelter-in-place has been ordered for the station complex.All persons on main campus are advised to avoid pedestrian or vehicle traffic near Bryant and 4th St. until further notice. Please follow all instructions from law enforcement and first responders.

The shelter-in-place order is for the WHUR/WHUT complex only. No other building is currently under shelter or evacuation order. Operations at all other main campus facilities remain under normal status.

Robbery - ADVISORY

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), along with the Howard University Department of Public Safety (DPS), is investigating an alleged robbery of a Howard University student, reported to DPS at approximately 3:45 a.m. and having occurred between midnight and 1:30 a.m. in the 2000 block of 8th Street, NW.

The complainant reported that while walking in the area, he was approached from behind by three to four suspects. He was struck and knocked to the ground, and the suspects took his cell phone and wallet.

College Hall South Update

Department of Public Safety officers received notice of a fire alarm activation in the CHS building. An initial investigation revealed that the alarm was pulled by a third-party security contractor responding to two individuals entering the building without authorization. 

Those individuals exited the building upon hearing the alarm and without incident. We are continuing interviews with staff and residents about what they may have seen or heard during the incident to benefit our security protocols.

Protest Safety Awareness Update

Dear Howard University Community,

Like many of you, I mourn and feel an immense amount of grief about the grisly details revealed in the video of Tyre Nichols’ traffic stop and beating. While the justice system is responsible for determining guilt or innocence in the serious charges filed against the officers involved in the case, our communities have the continued burden of opposing and healing from violence in policing.

Campus Safety Update

I am writing to update community members on an incident that took place earlier this afternoon on Georgia Ave.