Dear Howard University Community, 
 

I am writing to provide details on a tragic shooting that took place on 6th St. NW, near a construction site where work is being completed on our campus steam plant revitalization project. A random armed robbery attempt resulted in a shooting of a subcontractor, who was arriving for his shift at the site around 6 a.m.
 
A Howard University Department of Public Safety (HUDPS) officer patrolling the area was the first to arrive at the scene and administer resuscitative care to the victim. But despite these heroic efforts, a husband, father, and friend lost his life.
 
I join the campus community in offering my sincere condolences to the family, and all who mourn this tragedy. This is a senseless loss of a partner who will be deeply missed by his co-workers and peers, and employees working within our Physical Facilities Management office overseeing the steam plant initiative. We wholeheartedly condemn the heinous incident that has traumatized many students and employees, and communities beyond our campus. 
 
I want to be clear and leave no doubt about our university’s position on this issue. Safety for all stakeholders is Howard University’s top priority. Violence in all forms must end, and we remain undeterred in the work of addressing the intractable problems that contribute to perpetrators engaging in tragic choices and outcomes.

This is difficult news for our community, and I encourage everyone who may be challenged in dealing with this incident to find support through our mental health resources on campus for students and similar resources for employees, or by contacting licensed professionals within our Cigna healthcare network.  
 
Please look forward to receiving more communications from our executive team and updated information on this incident in the coming hours.  

  
Excellence in Truth and Service,  
  
Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA
Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery 
President