Gunman Shoots Five Duquesne University Athletes

By Mark Hoerrner

In an event reminiscent of other school shootings, a gunman opened fire on a number of athletes at private Catholic Duquesne University. Afterward, a man who was not a student at the university caused a disruption at a dance. He approached two university basketball players who attempted to calm him down but were shot by the man as they walked away from him.

Three other students, also on the basketball team, rushed to aid teammates and were subsequently shot.

"First and foremost, we are concerned about our students and are praying that each of them has a full recovery. We will offer support and services to the victims and their families, as well as to our other students who may have been affected by this tragic incident. This type of situation has never occurred before on Duquesne's campus. The University is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation," Bridget Fare, university spokesperson, said in a statement released by the university.

The university has posted additional police officers on campus near dorms, classroom buildings and other public areas, the Associated Press reported.

Sam Ashaolu, a cousin of Houston Rockets’ Hakeem Olajuwan, remains in critical condition at a local hospital with friend and fellow teammate Stuard Baldonado, who was in serious condition.

Kojo Mensah was rushed to another hospital and his condition was not available at press time.

Teammates Shawn James, junior, and sophomore Aaron Jackson, a guard who is one of only two returning players following a complete restructuring of the team by Head Coach Ron Everheart, were both treated and released. James is expected to be one of the NBA’s top draft picks and Duquesne’s best player when he becomes eligible in the 2007-08 season, according to the Associated Press.

Duquesne President Charles Dougherty said that several witnesses saw the gunman leave campus after a half-dozen to a dozen shots were fired. He said the gunman and the others with him were not students and also told the Associated Press that he did not know what sparked the violence.

"What motive can there be for unloading a pistol into a group of students?" Dougherty told the AP.

He further said witnesses reported seeing multiple guns within the group of assailants, but that he could not verify if more than one was used in the shooting.
Duquesne’s basketball team produced a dismal 3-24 record last season prompting the Everheart to completely restructure the team and bring in a host of new talent, including four of the five wounded players. It’s the largest changeout of players of any Division 1 team.

The school held a mass on Sunday to celebrate the lives of the players and to pray for those who were still in the hospital. The Rev. Raymond French encouraged students to look and pray for courage for themselves and the victims of the attack, telling students they were part of a greater community.

"What affects one of us, affects all of us," he said. "We are family and we care for one another. We care for you."