CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – UPDATE 5/5 12:15PM: The University of Virginia is urging students to look out for themselves and each other, and parents to have conversations with their children, in regard to Student Health resources available in regard to the incident near the Rotunda early Monday morning. University Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer Kenyon Bonner shares in deference to family privacy they will not release an identity, but the person deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot shorty after 4:30AM is a 2019 grad.

Shortly after 4:30AM, University Police responded to a report of shots fired on the southern side of the Rotunda. When officers arrived, they found a deceased male who appears to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot. After securing the weapon, University Police initiated an investigation which is ongoing. A large number of police vehicles could be seen along McCormick and other areas just outside the south Lawn through the afternoon.

Bonner’s communication continues, “We understand this incident may cause distress to our community, especially given its proximity to where so many of us study, work, and live. We also know that the period surrounding end-of-semester exams can already be challenging – and we want to make sure you’re aware of the University’s resources to support students.  Please continue to look out for yourselves and for each other – and if you or anyone you know needs additional support, Student Health and Wellness has several Student Support resources available for our community.”

UPDATE 5/5, 9:10AM: The University of Virginia has released a morning statement of the incident near the Lawn:

“Shortly after 4:30 on Monday morning, University Police responded to reports of shots fired on the southern side of the Rotunda. They found a deceased male who appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. After securing the weapon, they initiated an investigation, which is currently ongoing. We ask that members of the public continue to avoid the area until the investigation has concluded and the scene is clear. The subject’s identity is unknown at this time. University Police will provide additional updates as more information is gathered.”

UPDATE 5/5, 6:28AM: Police investigating a possible self-inflicted gunshot wound.

ORIGINAL:

A UVA Alert is in effect to avoid the Rotunda area, though the latest alert says the situation is stable, after initially being issued around 4:52am. Police have not said why, but a Lawn resident tells CvilleRightNow they heard what sounded like two shots fired around 4:45am and police were swarming Rotunda Alley. A large contingent of officers was also on the Lawn in front of the Rotunda.
We will update as we get more information.