Public Safety

During its final meeting of the semester Thursday, JMU's Faculty Senate voted to pass two resolutions: one supporting those affected by Israel-Palestine conflict, and one allowing the Senate to make changes to its faculty handbook.

After watching the documentary "Victim/Suspect" on Netflix, JMU alumna Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw (D-CT) ('97) decided to introduce a bill helping sexual assault survivors come forward with their assaults.

At its regular Tuesday meeting, the Student Government Association (SGA) Senate unanimously passed two Bills of Opinion to counteract opioid overdoses, approved contingency and reserve funds for three student organizations, and passed resolutions to install a plaque honoring a distinguished alumna and recognizing two staff members. 

During its regular Tuesday meeting, the Student Government Association (SGA) Senate unanimously passed two accessibility resolutions, approved contingency funds for two a cappella groups and the Front-End Budgeting (FEB) for SafeRides. It also passed an update to its financial procedures.

Alexander Wyatt Campbell, the perpetrator of the 2022 Bridgewater Community College shooting, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and will face two consecutive life sentences plus an additional six years for the use of a firearm in both murders.

A cooking fire at Southview sparked around 8 p.m. Tuesday, affecting two units. None of those injured were transported to the local hospital.

Harrisonburg Director of Communications Mike Parks said a driver traveling northbound on South High Street lost control of their vehicle around 3:37 a.m. and veered into the R13 parking lot. The driver first struck a road sign, then wrecked five parked cars.

A car hit an 18-year-old JMU student at the intersection of South Main Street and Port Republic Road around 11 p.m. Friday, Harrisonburg Police Department (HPD) Lt. Chris Monahan confirmed to The Breeze. The crash is under investigation, which should conclude this weekend.

Friendly City for Palestine (FC4P) urged the Harrisonburg City Council to pass a resolution in favor of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during its regular meeting Tuesday. They delivered prepared speeches, held signs and shared personal stories.

Two JMU traditions, Halloweekend and Homecoming, will take place at the same time year — something that has historically led to an uptick in Harrisonburg’s crime rate.

The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) charged 21-year-old Chavis Javon Barbour with two counts of aggravated homicide and two counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony in the April 14 Redpoint apartment complex shooting.

A week after the distribution of anti-LGBTQ+ flyers by an unnamed man, JMU has not released information to students about the incident, which Multilingual Student Services Coordinator Kristen Kelley said has inspired over 500 JMU community members to sign a petition denouncing the university’s lack of action.

Last week, students and faculty members reported the anti-LGBTQ+ flyers in common areas, academic unit mailboxes and directly posted on faculty doors in buildings included but not limited to the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts and the Music Building.

Harrisonburg City Public Schools (HCPS) updated its lockdown policies for this school year to better prepare for the potential of such an emergency. Deb Fitzgerald, chair of the HCPS school board, said the new lockdown guidelines will help with clear and efficient communication. HCPS schools are introducing a new color card system that indicates the level of lockdown they’re under.

A second flyer incident in as many weeks in the JMU community occurred Monday, university spokesperson confirmed with The Breeze on Wednesday. The incidents were unrelated, she said. 

A white nationalist group called the “Loyal White Knights” tossed leaflets onto driveways in the Old Town neighborhood of Harrisonburg over the weekend, Harrisonburg Police Chief Kelley Warner said. She said the notes, which consisted of right-wing rhetoric, did not individually target residents, and that the group's message is “a bunch of baloney.” 

Only battery-operated candles are allowed in residence halls. Possession of fire-burning candles will now result in an automatic $75 fine. The Office of Residence Life (ORL) will also be enforcing actions against tampering with or covering fire safety equipment.

A press release from the Hardy County (W.V.) Sheriff's Office confirmed the investigation of the car accident that killed three JMU students is still ongoing. Charges were filed against the 19-year-old driver, Campbell Fortune, including three counts of negligent homicide, on May 15.

Following an abduction turned shooting in downtown Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Director of Communications Mike Parks said the only individual to suffer injury was the suspect and the victim was safely retrieved from the suspect's vehicle.

Rockingham County Sheriff Brian Hutcheson said in a phone call to The Breeze on Monday that the investigation into the Redpoint residential complex shooting that occurred overnight Friday, April 14, is ongoing. 

Redpoint residents expressed an overwhelming sentiment of both anger and shock to the shooting in their own neighborhood overnight Friday, April 14, that killed two non-JMU students. Multiple JMU students said they didn't come to the school thinking they'd experience shootings in their own community, but after four off-campus shootings in six months in residential complexes where students live, they're rethinking their perception and immunity to gun violence.

Multiple residents who were on the scene during the shooting at the Redpoint residential complex overnight Friday, April 14, said the police response was swift, but that seeing them carry semi-automatic rifles on the street was jarring — as one person who was on the scene said, "wild." 

With four shootings occurring in off-campus student living complexes in the past year, experts elaborate on a multi-tiered approach to responding and preventing gun violence. Rockingham County-Harrisonburg Sheriff Bryan Hutcheson weighs in along with Maureen Bowler, behavioral health and wellness coordinator at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board, and Harrisonburg Police Department Lieutenant Chris Monahan.

JMU students have expressed outrage in light of JMU's emergency response system labeling Friday night's shooting as an "incident" rather than a shooting. This catalyzed a string of complaints labeling JMU's emergency response as ineffective, a claim JMU administration has disagreed with.

Students living in off-campus housing have questioned their safety in the aftermath of Friday night's Redpoint shooting — an incident that marks the fourth shooting at an off-campus student housing location within the past six months.

Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) responded to reports of shots fired overnight Friday on Newberry Lane at a party inside a Redpoint residence, according to a press release. Rescue units also responded to the scene, and two male victims — neither JMU students — died on site. Residents spoke to the Breeze about the incident and their reactions.

Three Harrisonburg mothers have been working to get legislation passed in Virginia that would increase the penalties for dealing fentanyl. All experienced loss that spurred their activism. Now, they are pushing for longer jail time and a more serious sentence for those who sell fentanyl to people like their loved ones.

JMU residence halls have been subjected to recent malicious fire alarm pulls that have disturbed residents. Emergency responders expressed concern that student apathy to hearing the fire alarm is becoming a public safety risk. UV powder has been installed in the fire alarms in an effort to catch offenders.

JMU alumna Christy Bautista was found dead after a stabbing in the Ivy City Hotel in Washington, D.C. The police have arrested a suspect who's been charged with firs-degree murder. 

Harrisonburg’s Fire Chief Matthew Tobia was named the Virginia Fire Chief of the Year, announced and awarded by Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Feb. 22 at the annual Virginia Fire Rescue Conference in Virginia Beach.

The James Madison Center for Civic Engagement hosted the second session of its Freedom of Expression Information Series on Tuesday to discuss “Personal Safety and Security: Weapons and Explosives,” specifically on how freedom of expression impacts campus safety.

Around 2,000 JMU community members gathered on the Quad on Sunday night to mourn and honor the three students who died in a car accident Thursday night. Two other students, Campbell Fortune and Baird Weisleder, were seriously injured in the crash. 

Multiple JMU students died and others were injured with life-threatening injuries in a car wreck last night in West Virginia, according to an email from Tim Miller, vice president for student affairs, sent to the university community around 12:40 p.m.

It’s been one year since tragedy struck Bridgwater College and on Wednesday, the community gathered to honor the lives of Campus Police Officer John Painter and Campus Safety Officer J.J. Jefferson who died in the line of duty.

Former JMU offensive lineman (’05) and current private first class of the U.S. Capitol Police Harry Dunn was honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal for his service on Jan. 6 and beyond on this year’s anniversary of the insurrection.

A stray cat found on JMU's campus tested positive for rabies, according to the Central Shenandoah Health District. 

JMU alumna Abby Zwerner (’19,’20), a teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, is in stable condition at Riverside Regional Medical Center after being shot Friday afternoon, according to WAVY. The suspect, a 6-year-old first-grade student at the school, is currently in custody. 

New Creation is a non profit organization that works to combat human trafficking by creating work for survivors of human trafficking or those vulnerable to it. Everything New Creation sells was either made by a survivor of human trafficking or is fair trade and its merchandise comes from around the world. According to its website, New Creation works to “creatively counteract human trafficking” and 100% of its profits go toward that mission.

Following a mass shooting at the University of Virginia on Sunday that killed three member's of U.Va.'s football team, students across U.Va. and JMU have organized vigils and other memorials to grieve, stand in solidarity and honor the victims.

Three people were killed and two were injured in a shooting at the University of Virginia (U.Va.) late Sunday night. The JMU community expressed its support for U.Va. on social media. 

Halloweekend is the all-encompassing term for not only the days leading up to Halloween but the events, gatherings, parties and preparations for the holiday. However, after three gun-related incidents in the past few weeks, students have their safety concerns. Contributing Writer Jane McConville spoke to students and staff about ways to stay safe this weekend. 

One person died in a shooting on Monday morning at the 200 block of Community Street, according to a Harrisonburg press release. The Harrisonburg Police Department (HPD) is investigating the homicide. 

One person died in a car accident involving a tractor trailer and a passenger vehicle on Tuesday afternoon near the Steven Toyota in the 2900 block of South Main Street. Harrisonburg's director of communications, Michael Parks, was unable to name those involved in the crash and said an investigation is ongoing.

Eight people were injured and no one died after a shooting overnight Sunday, Oct. 16. No suspects were on the scene when the Harrisonburg Police Department (HPD) arrived, and no arrests have been made. HPD is investigating.

An armed robbery of a JMU student by an unknown individual took place, after the student used GroupMe to get a ride, according to a message sent out by the JMU Police Department. 

The third week of September is nationally recognized as hazing prevention week. Hazing isn’t only happening at other universities across the country, but at JMU as well. Tune in to Breeze TV Friday at 3:30 pm to watch part II of this hazing investigations series.

JMU Police Department (JMU PD) vehicles will have a new look this fall. Andrew Genese, senior media arts and design (SMAD) major, recently worked with JMU PD to rethink and redesign the appearance of the department’s cars.

A vehicle hit five cars and damaged the electrical system in JMU’s D3 parking lot outside of the Festival Conference & Student Center on Thursday night, according to JMU PD Chief Anthony Matos. There were no injuries, he said.

Adam's Law — put into place after Adam Oakes, freshman VCU student, died as a result of hazing — is requiring student organizations in the Commonwealth of Virginia to participate in an in-person, anti-hazing training program. Adam's Law went into effect July 1 and training began at JMU in August.

With the monkeypox virus on the rise — both globally and across the country — JMU, local and state health departments are working to combat the virus and inform the community about the disease.

JMU and Harrisonburg community members held a protest against the potential overturn of Roe v. Wade, alongside dozens of other schools across Virginia. 

A car struck the side of the Subway on South Carlton Street around 2 p.m. on Friday afternoon. HPD said there were no injuries, but charges will be filed against the driver.

Multiple cars were damaged in a crash Saturday night in Pheasant Run after a driver hit a bus stop and six other cars. The driver was placed under arrest for DUI. No injuries were reported. 

ONE IN FOUR college-aged women will experience unwanted sexual contact. The Breeze staff takes a deep dive into the state of sexual assault at JMU and around the country.

Mask mandates continue for the Harrisonburg Department of Public Transportation and other transportation systems across the country. JMU students said most passengers follow the mandate while riding the buses.

As mask mandates are beginning to phase out on campus, the community is reacting with both excitement and disapproval.

Amid two suicides on campus and an outcry of support for student mental health resources, JMU has provided several resources for suicide prevention for the university’s community.

Starting in most non-academic buildings, JMU plans on eliminating its mask requirements for students, faculty and staff in March.

The local COVID-19 state of emergency, affordable housing and nonprofit achievements were among the discussion topics at Tuesday's city council meeting.

After several public safety emergencies across the nation, JMU explains and outlines what to do if an emergency happens on JMU's campus. 

The Harrisonburg/Rockingham General District Court granted a 90-day window for the mental health evaluation to determine the state of accused Bridgewater College gunman Alexander Wyatt Campbell. Campbell is accused of fatally shooting Campus Security Officer J.J. Jefferson and Campus Police Officer John Painter. 

Students occupied Alumnae Hall to share personal testimonies and mental health needs in the JMU community, and to advocate for several demands concerning mental health. 

In a vigil organized by students on social media, the JMU community came together to mourn over recent tragic events and discuss mental health. 

Administration has expressed its own efforts to improve with mental health efforts as students are calling for reform after recent tragedies, including two suicides and a local shooting.

A memorial service was held at the Atlantic Union Bank Center (AUBC) for Bridgewater College Campus Police Officer John Painter and Campus Security Officer J.J. Jefferson, who were fatally shot last week.

JMU alumna Abby Zwerner (’19,’20), a teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia, is in stable condition at Riverside Regional Medical Center after being shot Friday afternoon, according to WAVY. The suspect, a 6-year-old first-grade student at the school, is currently in custody. 

New Creation is a non profit organization that works to combat human trafficking by creating work for survivors of human trafficking or those vulnerable to it. Everything New Creation sells was either made by a survivor of human trafficking or is fair trade and its merchandise comes from around the world. According to its website, New Creation works to “creatively counteract human trafficking” and 100% of its profits go toward that mission.

Following a mass shooting at the University of Virginia on Sunday that killed three member's of U.Va.'s football team, students across U.Va. and JMU have organized vigils and other memorials to grieve, stand in solidarity and honor the victims.

Three people were killed and two were injured in a shooting at the University of Virginia (U.Va.) late Sunday night. The JMU community expressed its support for U.Va. on social media. 

Halloweekend is the all-encompassing term for not only the days leading up to Halloween but the events, gatherings, parties and preparations for the holiday. However, after three gun-related incidents in the past few weeks, students have their safety concerns. Contributing Writer Jane McConville spoke to students and staff about ways to stay safe this weekend. 

One person died in a shooting on Monday morning at the 200 block of Community Street, according to a Harrisonburg press release. The Harrisonburg Police Department (HPD) is investigating the homicide.