Photo by Chris Crews
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR To the greater UNC Charlotte community, The last day of classes is meant to be a joyous and exciting time where students celebrate the end of a lengthy school semester. Sadly, a mere matter of minutes changed everything forever as a former UNC Charlotte student opened fire on a classroom in Kennedy. The focus of this letter will not be the perpetrator of this horrific act. He will not be named. At the Niner Times, our coverage will not serve to sensationalize or rationalize said perpetrator. As a campus, we are mourning the loss of two fellow students while trying to support those that were injured in the act. That has been and will continue to be our focus. The victims of this act are what matter most here. Ellis “Reed” Parlier, 19 Riley Howell, 21 Those two names will be ingrained in our memories as two of our fallen friends, classmates and fellow Niners. Two innocent students were killed in a place they should have been safest. Drew Pescaro, 19 Sean DeHart, 20 Rami Al-Ramadhan, 20 Emily Houpt, 23 Those four names will also be ingrained in our memories. They are the injured victims in this unspeakably tragic event. It is up to us as students of UNC Charlotte to support and be there for those four students as they recover and try their best to move forward. It’s a matter of fact that this type of violence is recurring in our society, but this should never feel normal. Students should not have to run across campus in fear for their life. Professors should not have to barricade their students in classrooms and sit in silence while waiting for police to arrive. Parents shouldn’t have to clutch their phones, awaiting word of if their child is safe
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or not. Sadly, this is the world we live in, and UNC Charlotte experienced it firsthand. The fact that a shooting occurred on campus should not be the defining trait of our school and community. We are a vibrant and diverse collective of people from all around the world. What has been seen in the moments, hours and now days after the event occurred is nothing short of powerful. In the immediate aftermath, the unity and support seen on and around campus really demonstrates the bond of this college community. There were numerous occasions in which strangers banded together to ride things out and share information. Even those just checking in on others means the world. On a personal level, I am massively grateful to a handful of students who gave me a ride off campus to safety as I was running away from the scene. There are surely several stories such as this where people just wanted to help in any way possible. The staff of Niner Times is dedicated to providing coverage of this event and its aftermath. Our mission is to tell the story of what happened to our campus as accurately, responsively and respectfully as possible. As journalists who are also students, it is our obligation to report information to the campus community even as we ourselves process and mourn. I have to take a moment to commend the Niner Times staff for doing their jobs and providing exceptional coverage in the face of an unspeakable tragedy. It is especially difficult for us as our colleague Drew Pescaro is one of the injured victims. The staff of Niner Times stands behind Drew and wishes him the absolute best on his road to recovery. As difficult as the coming days, weeks and months will be, we will get through it. Niners are resilient and strong. We will continue to honor our fallen and try to pick up the pieces to find a way forward. It won’t be easy, but the heroism, bravery and courage that was seen from faculty, staff, students and first responders should serve to inspire us to keep up the fight and march forward. Without those heroes, things may have continued to spiral out of control. We are forever indebted to them. Moving forward, take some time to reflect. Be there for yourself and be there for others. Best wishes, Jeffrey Kopp, Editor-in-Chief of Niner Times
“I’VE NEVER RUN THAT FAST IN MY LIFE” Two dead, four injured after killer opens fire in classroom
Photo by Chris Crews
On the last day of classes, April 30, a killer opened fire in a classroom in the Kennedy building, killing two and injuring four members of Niner Nation. A NinerAlert sent minutes after the gunshots, which were at approximately 5:40 p.m., warned the campus community: “Run, Hide, Fight. Secure yourself immediately.” At the push of a button, UNC Charlotte was able to lock nearly every door on its campus. Sergeant Rick Gundacker arrived at the scene first, passing students who were fleeing for their lives. Lieutenant Sarah Smyre followed close behind him. Inside, students Ellis ‘Reed’ Parlier, 19, and Riley Howell, 21, had been shot and killed. But the officers were able to quickly subdue the suspect, as Howell had tackled the gunman and taken him “off his feet.” He is hailed a hero “Having no place to run or hide, [Howell] took the fight on,” Putney
said. “His sacrifice saved lives.” Four students were injured, but they are all expected to recover: Sean DeHart, 20, of Apex; Rami Al-Ramadhan, 20, of Saudi Arabia; Emily
“
son to believe anyone else involved,” tweeted Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, ending rumors that there were multiple shooters on campus. Police then went room by
Run, Hide, Fight.
Secure yourself immediately.
Houpt, 23, of Charlotte; and Drew Pescaro, 19, of Apex. In the hours that followed, students and professors across the campus took shelter. With little knowledge of what was happening outside their classroom walls, they locked and barricaded doors, shut off lights and quietly phoned loved ones. At 7:45 p.m., University officials announced the suspect was in custody and campus was secure. “No rea-
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by Alexandria Sands Community Editor
room to release students and check empty rooms with guns drawn. Nick Brooks, 22, hid for over two hours in the Panda Express kitchen on campus. He said he was taking a study break at the fountain outside of Kennedy when he saw the suspect, someone he recognized from riding the light rail, walk into Kennedy. Seconds later, he heard the shots. “It was like, ‘pop, pop, pop,’ and that’s when we all started to lay on
the ground,” he said. “You could feel the vibration. I don’t know if it was just, like, nerves. You could just feel it in your chest.” He said a student came running out of the building, yelling about an active shooter. It was then that Brooks got up, grabbed his backpack and sprinted to Cone building where a group of roughly 35 people had gathered. “I’ve never run that fast in my life,” he said. When students and faculty retreated to their homes that night, they received an email in which Chancellor Philip Dubois called April 30 “the saddest day in UNC Charlotte’s history.” The next day when they woke, students organized a vigil that united the community, the administration approved degrees in memoriam for both Howell and Parlier, and Niner Nation began to spread, across the country, their message: We are Charlotte Strong.
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CHARLOTTE by Nikolai Mather Assistant Opinion Editor
Photo by Nikolai Mather
Paying tribute to the two fallen and four injured stude
On the evening of April 30, six students were shot by a domestic terrorist in the Kennedy Building. We would like to honor the four survivors — Rami Al-Ramadhan, Drew Pescaro, Sean DeHart and Emily Houpt — and the two who lost their lives — Riley Howell and Ellis “Reed” Parlier. Rami Al-Ramadhan, 20, is an engineering major from Saihat, Saudi Arabia. This was his first semester at UNC Charlotte. According to his Twitter feed, he loves amateur photography, music and reading. Rami was shot twice while trying to leave Kennedy; once in the stomach and once on his arm. While in the hospital, he was visited by Omar Alkhudhr, the cultural affairs representative of the UNC Charlotte Saudi Student Organization. He has since been receiving support from that network and the rest of the University community. His father has also traveled from Saihat to keep Rami company as he heals. Rami, who has since been released from the hospital, posted a video on Instagram thanking the community for its support. “Thank you. Stay strong, Charlotte.” Drew Pescaro, 19, is a Massachusetts native who lives in Apex, North Carolina. Drew is a sophomore at UNC Charlotte where he majors in Communication Studies. Middle Creek High, where he formerly played football, has expressed their concern via Twitter: “Hate waking up to news like I did this morning. Please keep former MCHS football player Drew and his family in your prayers, as well as the other victims, and the whole Niner family.” Drew works for the sports section of the Niner Times where he covers women’s volleyball, men’s football and women’s basketball. He has also served as scholarship chairman for the Lambda Delta chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Alpha Tau Omega has shown an outpouring of support for Drew, visiting him in the hospital and circulating the hashtag #DrewStrong on Twitter. The Lambda Delta chapter has described him as “funny, friendly and a huge sports fan.” They have also circulated the GoFundMe page created for Drew’s medical expenses, saying, “Any amounts are welcomed for donation as all funds will be going to Drew’s medical expenses in supporting his family. God bless.” You can donate to Drew’s GoFundMe at www.gofundme.com/ drew-pescaro-family?member=2165544. Sean DeHart, 20, was born in Shelton, Connecticut and is based in Apex, North Carolina. He graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh in 2017. Jason Curtis, the principal of Cardinal Gibbons High School, issued a statement about Sean. “We’re praying for the entire community,” Curtis said. He and the Cardinal Gibbons community are helping the DeHarts maintain their privacy at this time. He started attending UNC Charlotte in the fall 2017. Sean enjoys watching baseball and is a fan of the Yankees. After being treated for critical wounds, he was released from the hospital on April 30 and is expected to make a full recovery. Emily Houpt, 23, is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina who has long been interested in politics and international affairs. She is a senior pursuing a major in Global Studies and minors in Political Science and Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Studies. Emily has a deep love of traveling abroad. According to her workplace, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, she has been
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to Costa Rica, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland. Emily is a passionate human rights advocate. Her professors in the Global Studies Department describe her as a smart, motivated student. She has a spring internship with the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on engaging people in hard conversations about important world issues. Emily transferred to UNC Charlotte in 2016. In her spare time, she likes to study Arabic and read. Emily has been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. The day after the shooting, Chancellor Philip Dubois announced that Emily would be one of the many graduating seniors
STRONG
ents in the tragic shooting at UNC Charlotte
receiving a diploma this year. “And we are delighted that she will be able to go across the stage.” Riley Howell, 21, was a native of Haywood County, North Carolina. He was born into a large family: two sisters, one brother, two sets of grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and pets (nine dogs total). Riley grew up in Waynesville, a small mountain town just west of Asheville. It was there that Riley first experienced the wonders of the outdoors. His obituary in the Asheville Citizen-Times describes his love for “kayaking through inlets on the ocean, canoeing down cold mountain rivers, or screaming with excitement as
he tried to do a front flip off the rope swing at Fontana Lake.” He loved Star Wars and superheroes, and enjoyed teaching himself new things. He was a diligent, hands-on worker and had a deep love of life. Riley transferred from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in fall 2018. He was an Environmental Studies major and ROTC cadet who worked in Housing and Residence Life. He has been described as having a big heart. His 14-year-old brother says Riley always put others before himself. This is perhaps best exemplified by his final actions. Riley was giving a group presentation on April 30. When the domestic terrorist burst into Room 236 and began shooting at Riley’s group, he could not hide or run away, so he fought. Riley tackled the terrorist, paying the ultimate price to help his classmates escape. Riley is survived by his family, his girlfriend and his friends. His funeral was on May 5, and he was given full military honors. His family is “overwhelmed” by the love and support from the University community and requests privacy as they grieve for their son. Donations can be made in his name to Southern Highlands Appalachian Conservancy, the Red Cross, March For Our Lives and Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation. Ellis “Reed” Parlier, 20, was born in Charlotte, North Carolina to Brian and Julia Parlier. From a young age, Reed was deeply interested in technology. In an obituary posted by Gaskin Funeral Services, he is remembered for having “helped family members with technology fixes.” After attending Porter Ridge Elementary and Middle Schools, he graduated from Central Academy of Technology and Arts, a magnet school focused primarily on the arts, medical sciences and engineering. There, he studied in the Information Systems academy and tutored middle school students in computer programming. In an interview with the Charlotte Observer, Casey Bigham, a high school friend of Reed’s, described him as “one of the smartest, kindest and most hilarious people I have ever been lucky enough to meet and get to know.” Reed enrolled at UNC Charlotte in fall 2017, choosing to major in computer science. He was said to have played “the straight man” to his friends’ jokes with an easy, witty sense of humor. He loved to hike and camp. He was an intelligent, independent thinker who, only two years into his college career, was already thinking hard about his future. He dreamed of one day turning his passion for video games into a career as a game developer. His family described him as a “sweet, quiet, loving soul.” Reed is survived by his parents, his sister, the rest of his family and his friends. The Parliers held a small prayer service on May 1 for Reed with no public visitation. A family spokesperson released a statement saying: “The family is still in shock and grieving over their loss.” In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to the Ellis “Reed” Parlier Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made at www.crowdfund.uncc.edu/ReedParlier or mailed to the UNC Charlotte Foundation at UNC Charlotte Foundation / Office of University Development / 9201 University City Boulevard / Charlotte, NC 28223 with the memo, “Ellis “Reed” Parlier Scholarship Fund.” The Niner Times staff expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to all the survivors.
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IN REMEMBRANCE UNC Charlotte’s community gathers for a vigil in support of the victims of the shooting on April 30 by Elissa Miller Arts & Entertainment Editor
Photo by Nikolai Mather
At 5:40 p.m. on April 30, the UNC Charlotte community was thrown into chaos. An armed assailant fired into the classroom of Dr. Adam Johnson’s LBST 2213, located in the Kennedy building. Six students were shot. Two, Ellis Parlier and Riley Howell, were killed. Drew Pescaro, Sean DeHart, Rami Al-Ramadhan and Emily Houpt were injured. As of May 1, those four students are expected to recover. The suspect was taken into custody by CMPD and UNC Charlotte Police. A vigil was held on May 1 in Halton Arena to provide a space for students to mourn and express their support for the victims. Kristine Slade and Makala Carrington were co-coordinators of the vigil. Senior Class Council, Senior Executive Leadership Program and the Student Organization Resource Center (SORC) were also involved. A number of businesses and organizations donated candles, water, snacks and tissues. Members of the UNC Charlotte music department played orchestra music as students filled the arena. By the time of the vigil, the arena was completely filled, to the point where there were no longer any seats for attendees. Many stood along the sidelines. Every time the students stood, it sounded like thunder. The vigil opened with an emotional speech from Slade. “The event that occured in our campus yesterday was nothing less than a horrific tragedy, however I have strength in knowing that as a community we will preserve and we will get through this event. Individually, we all cope and process with what happened yesterday differently. However, as a collective, we are Niner Nation and we are Charlotte Strong,” she said. Chancellor Phil Dubois then took to the stage. He was tearful and his voice was audibly shaken. He emphasized his love and support for the campus community, as well as thanked visitors in attendance. These included Mayor Vi Lyles, retired Chancellor Woodward, Governor Roy Cooper and Congresswoman Alma Adams. Dubois added, “As parents ourselves, Lisa and I grieve
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for the senseless loss of young life and share in the anguish of their parents, their families and you, their friends. We can’t bring them back. But with your help, we will find a way to remember their presence as 49ers. These next days, weeks and months, will test our collective strength and as I said yesterday, we have no course but to hold up each other, to work through this together.” Incoming Student Body President Chandler Crean also addressed the campus community; Vice President Adela Mann stood by his side. In view of the cameras, Crean had been visibly emotional throughout the vigil. He expressed his sincere condolences and support to the injured students and thanked CMPD and UNC Charlotte Police Department for their work. He also stated, “Students, faculty, friends and family, please know that this does not stop here. It can not stop here. We have to stay strong together, uplift each other, love one another and unite as one Niner Nation. What happened yesterday cannot happen again.” Other features of the vigil included a prayer, led by Makala Carrington, and music by the UNC Charlotte’s Women’s Choir. The Choir performed “Rain Come Down,” a song originally written after the shooting at Columbine High School. “Come, rain, come down, come, rain, come down, Heaven’s tears of mercy, come a-runnin’ down. Say no words, it is too soon, say no words out loud,” the lyrics state. After a moment of silence, students then filed out of Halton Arena to gather and light candles in West and Star Quad. Jewish and Christian faith organizations were available for students; services by The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services were also accessible. Music echoed across the campus. Speeches and students chanting of “Forty Niners!” filled the air. Candles and signs were placed at the foot of the Norm statue by Halton Arena. In the words of “Rain Come Down” and the UNC Charlotte Women’s Choir, “Come wash away this grief and pain, and let all hearts be clean.”
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services responds to community needs after campus shooting
by Elissa Miller Arts & Entertainment Editor
Photo by Nikolai Mather
At 1:41 a.m. on May 1, a NinerAlert, the system that delivered emergency information to students throughout the lockdown, stated that “support services are available for students” and listed the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) as a resource. According to their website, The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services is “a department within the Division of Student Affairs at UNC Charlotte. CAPS, along with the Student Health Center, the Center for Wellness Promotion, and University Recreation, is a component of Health and Wellbeing, an administrative unit whose primary goal is to provide comprehensive wellness-related programs and services to UNC Charlotte students.” Dr. Rebecca MacNair-Semands, Senior Associ-
ate Director at CAPS, said many staff members worked at the Popp Martin Student Union until midnight on April 30. They then returned to work at 7:30 a.m.; students were already waiting for services. Dr. David Spano, Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Director of CAPS, emphasized that the Center is focusing on providing whatever students may need. He stated, “For example, we had some students who wanted to meet. They didn’t want to come to campus because they were afraid so we met them off campus at a location across the street so we can do some work for them.” CAPS is also meeting with various student groups that requested their services and canceled all appointments. This does not include pre-scheduled appointments with clients, though Spano
notes that those appointments may be shortened. The office is available for walk-ins. “Students should know that they can just walk in or call and we’ll be here right away to see them, so there is really not any need for an appointment or anything at this point beyond just sort of showing up and telling us what they need.” Spano said. He recognizes that this experience has only been compounded by fears about exam cancelation and what the upcoming weeks will look like. A number of other organizations are collaborating with The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services to provide assistance. Spano told the Niner Times that, “We’re managing with the staff that we have...we also have back up. The county emergency management office is working with us, Red Cross is on campus and the mobile crisis team is on campus so they can back us up if we get overwhelmed.” While Spano notes that The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services does not have a lot of experience with the effects of a campus shooting, MacNair-Semands told Niner Times that the office had a meeting as recently as April 29 with the emergency operations team. This occurs periodically so that protocols will be in place. “That’s one thing I feel really good about. Even though we have been extremely busy and the work is emotionally challenging at times, I feel grateful that we had staff training in both active shooter responding and coping with post-traumatic stress. Our team attitude has been amazing and people keep stopping by to volunteer any extra time to help students,” she said. Walk-in hours for the week of May 6 to May 11 are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Telephone counseling is avaible after hours. The Center of Counseling and Psychological Services is available to support students in any capacity they may need. It can be reached at 704-687-0311 and is located at 9502 Poplar Terrace Drive, behind the Student Health Center. For updates on services and hours, visit their website: caps.uncc. edu/.
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