Dear Marquette Community,
I’m writing to address a difficult police situation that occurred yesterday evening, which I know caused rightful concern to our campus community. First, I want to assure you that there was never an active threat to campus, and no one from the Marquette community was involved. Unfortunately, the incident involved the shooting of a Milwaukee Police Department officer, and I ask that you join me in praying for the injured officer and his family.
To provide some background, the Marquette University Police Department assisted the Milwaukee Police Department in its investigation of the shooting, which occurred in the 2100 block of West St. Paul Ave. A suspect fled the area in a vehicle and was apprehended following an accident near the 1700 block of West Clybourn Ave. The suspect was taken into custody, and caution tape remained present at the scene as the investigation continued.
Our department frequently assists MPD with incidents in the nearby campus area as MPD likewise assists MUPD with our investigations, when needed. During an active investigation, ensuring the safety of our community and the accuracy of information is critical. We communicated as soon as we could through social media and text that there was no threat to campus and that we were assisting MPD. Detailed information of the events was shared via email after MPD communicated their findings.
Please help MUPD to keep you safe by taking the following actions to make sure you receive timely safety information:
- Make sure you’ve enrolled your cell phone number to receive MUPD safety alerts:
- For students: To receive MUPD safety alerts, as well as weather-related closing information, enroll in the university’s emergency text messaging system by entering your cell phone number in the “Personal Information” section of CheckMarq.
- For faculty and staff: Those with university-owned cell phones will automatically receive text alerts. Faculty and staff without university phones can opt in to receiving text alerts from the university by registering their personal phone number in the “Personal Information” section of MyJob.
- Download MUPD’s free safety app EagleEye.
- Follow the MUPD Twitter account,which posts all safety alerts and updates in real time.
- For parents: Although the text alert system serves students, staff and faculty, you can still download the EagleEye app and follow the MUPD Twitter account to see safety alerts.
Additionally, if you live in off-campus residences, follow this guidance to stay vigilant about your safety, and anyone with a Kia or Hyundai should take advantage of the free steering wheel locks our department offers, given the increase in auto thefts for those vehicles.
Remember: If you observe any suspicious behavior or fear for your safety at any time, please contact MUPD at (414) 288-1911 or through one of the more than 450 blue light phones on and near campus. Our trained professionals and sworn officers are dedicated to maintaining a safe environment for learning, living and working at Marquette. We’re here for your safety and security.
Thank you,
Chief Edith Hudson