1 killed in shooting at the University of New Mexico during new student orientation

A shooting Friday morning at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque prompted a shelter-in-place order after one person was killed and another was injured. The suspect remains at large, the university said.

The school said campus police received a report of shots fired at Casas del Rio, a student housing center, and found two people with gunshot wounds.

One person was pronounced dead and the other sustained non-life-threatening injuries, the university said in a post on social media. The injured student is receiving care at a hospital, according to university President Garnett S. Stokes.

Officials did not identify either individuals.

“Out of an abundance of caution, UNM has closed its Albuquerque central campus,” the school said. “Multiple law enforcement agencies are on scene and actively investigating.”

New Mexico State Police is assisting with the investigation.

In a statement to the university community, Stokes said he was “deeply saddened by the loss of life and horrified by this act of violence” on the university’s campus.

“Our thoughts and prayers go to the loved ones and friends of those lost and injured,” he said. “This is certainly a difficult moment, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, angry, or afraid.”

A new student orientation was being held at the time of the shooting, Stokes confirmed, acknowledging that the incident “may be especially distressing for new students and their families who are here this week for orientation.”

“We want to assure everyone that we are fully committed to your safety and well-being,” he said. “Future orientation activities will continue, with additional support in place.”

Stokes said that the safety of the campus and community is the “utmost priority.”

“The campus remains closed for the day, and there will be an increased law enforcement presence on and around campus in the coming days,” he said.