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Thursday, March 28, 2024

UST focused on safety after gun incident

A gunshot at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul April 7 has university officials concentrating on campus safety.

“The incident has certainly shaken our campus,” said St. Thomas director of public relations Janet Swiecichowski. “It’s the first incident with a firearm on campus that anyone can recall, so we’re certainly taking it very seriously.”

St. Thomas student Paul Rousseau, 22, received a head wound when a bullet fired from a gun through a dorm room wall at Flynn Residence Hall. His roommate, also a 22-year-old, who has a permit to carry, told the St. Paul police that he had been putting away the handgun in a box and pulled the trigger, not knowing it was loaded.

“The suspect was very cooperative,” said Steve Linders, St. Paul Police’s public information coordinator. “He indicated that it was an accident, and he felt bad about what had happened. He was very concerned about his roommate who had been shot.”

Charges have not been filed while the case remains under investigation. Because possession of a weapon violates St. Thomas’ student code of conduct, the student has been removed from campus. A university review process of the incident could result in the student being expelled.

“The university is acting quickly with due diligence to resolve the issue,” said Swiecichowski, adding that St. Thomas’ action and response team could look into further preventative measures through its debriefing process.

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Swiecichowski also said students have been asked to immediately report any weapons on campus. St. Thomas’ campus ministry, student affairs and residence life staffs have been available to visit with concerned students.

Rousseau had surgery at Regions Hospital in St. Paul and was discharged.

 

 

 

 


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