Message from President Glenn McConnell:
Dear Campus Community:
As I am sure you know by now, the suspect in the Emanuel A.M.E. Church shootings has been taken into custody in North Carolina.
I extend my thanks to the many law enforcement agencies and city officials who were involved in the manhunt for this individual, particularly Charleston Mayor Joe Riley and Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen. Additionally, I want to thank our public safety officers who also worked closely and effectively with the local police and others during this tragic incident.
Our public safety officers were in regular contact with the Charleston Police Department throughout this ordeal. It was determined by law enforcement officials on the ground that there was no immediate threat to our downtown campus last night or earlier today. The College deployed additional public safety officers to residence halls and other facilities to ensure the continued safety of our campus community.
It was this type of collaborative effort that led to the suspect being apprehended without incident and any further fatalities.
In the wake of this tragedy, members of our community have come together to lean on each other for strength. I join with Mayor Riley and others in surrounding Emanuel A.M.E. Church and the victims’ families with love and compassion. There will be a prayer service hosted by the City of Charleston at the College of Charleston’s TD Arena (301 Meeting St.) tomorrow, June 19, at 6 p.m.
As we work through our heartbreak, I pray for healing and peace as the search for justice and answers takes place.
Sincerely yours,
Glenn F. McConnell ’69
