Students woke up Monday morning to find bright red signs alerting them of a warning issued by Public Safety and a StagWeb e-mail explaining the incident that occurred in Regis Hall early Saturday morning.
Public Safety and the dean’s office responded quickly after the incident occurred, calling it a lesson for students.
Administrators and students are now reacting to the fact that a non-student brought a loaded gun onto campus and got into an altercation with students.
“We have increased our presence in Regis Hall as well as other residence halls. There is no information that other incidents of this type are likely to occur,” said Director of Public Safety Todd Pelazza.
“We do, however, remind everyone to lock your doors, even if you are away for a short time. Never prop outside building doors open. Report any suspicious persons or behavior to Public Safety,” he added.
The three men entered campus, after returning from RBAR in New Haven, with a Fairfield student who they are friends with, and were let into Regis by another Fairfield student. The Dean of Students office sent out an e-mail on Monday reminding students of the University’s policies on guests.
“I think it is scary to know that there are people with guns on campus,” said Dan Kochanowicz ’10. “But I was happy to know that there was a quick Public Safety response.”
According to the e-mail, “maintaining a safe and secure campus is a responsibility that all members of the University community bear, particularly students.”
The e-mail also reminded students to be aware of whom they invite to campus and to alert authorities about suspicious behavior.
Students campus-wide said they plan to be more cautious when dealing with people who appear to be acting strange or that they do not recognize. Many students were surprised that this incident even occurred and are concerned about what the University is doing to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
“It is shocking that people can get onto campus,” said Darryl Brackeen ’10. “They shouldn’t be able to get into the dorms.
“I think students need to be more aware of their community.”
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