Crime
At least 1 dead, multiple injured after shooting at Elizabeth City State University During Viking Fest
Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred shortly before midnight on Saturday, April 26, 2025, on the campus of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU).
Victim killed in ECSU shooting identified as 21-year-old Isaiah Caldwell
The Elizabeth City Police Department issued a campus-wide text alert advising residents to shelter in place after reports of shots fired near Bias Hall.
“There has been a report of shots fired on campus in the area of Bias Hall.
Shelter in place as Elizabeth City Police Department and campus police investigate the situation,” the alert stated.
Hundreds of students, alumni, and guests were gathered on campus for the final day of ECSU’s annual Viking Fest, which included the Blue and White Vikings spring football game and other festivities.
During the incident, three students sustained gunshot wounds to their legs and/or abdomen and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Tragically, one male student was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the hospital.
Eyewitness Victoria Lewis told Channel2 NOW that her daughter and grandson were near the shooting. “My daughter and her friends were able to hide safely, but my grandson was caught in the crossfire. Thankfully, he managed to run in the opposite direction and escape. Nobody but God. I am truly grateful this morning,” she said.
In response to the incident, ECSU Police, the Elizabeth City Police Department, the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) are actively collaborating on the investigation.
Authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the campus community.
As a precaution, ECSU Police have increased patrols across campus, and access to the central campus area will be restricted on Sunday.
In a statement, the university expressed deep sorrow over the incident: “We are deeply saddened by this senseless act. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all members of the Viking community affected by this tragedy.”
To support students, faculty, and staff, ECSU Counseling Services will be available beginning at 10:30 a.m. today, Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center. Immediate and after-hours counseling support is also available by calling 252-335-3275.
Bedell Dining Hall will be closed today. Breakfast will be delivered to residence halls beginning at 9:30 a.m. Lunch (12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.) and dinner (5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) will be served at the K.E. White Graduate Center. Shuttle services will be provided for students to and from dining areas.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact ECSU University Police at 252-335-3266.
The university and law enforcement agencies will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Crime
Kansas City Firefighter-Paramedic Graham Hoffman Dies After Being Stabbed by Patient During Medical Transport
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Kansas City firefighter-paramedic has tragically died after being stabbed by a patient during a medical transport early Sunday morning, city officials confirmed.
Firefighter-Paramedic Graham Hoffman, 29, sustained critical injuries around 1:00 a.m. while transporting a patient to Saint Luke’s Hospital located on Barry Road.
During the transport, officials report that the patient attacked and stabbed Hoffman inside the ambulance.
Additional personnel from the Kansas City Fire Department and Kansas City Police Department quickly responded to the emergency. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders and medical teams at North Kansas City Hospital, Hoffman succumbed to his injuries.
Hoffman had served with the Kansas City Fire Department since 2022 and was described by colleagues as a dedicated and compassionate public servant.
City officials, including Mayor Quinton Lucas, Fire Chief Ross Grundyson, and Interim City Manager Kimiko Gilmore, are scheduled to provide further updates at a press conference planned for 4:00 p.m. Sunday.
The suspect remains in custody with the Kansas City Police Department as the investigation continues.
The City of Kansas City extends its deepest condolences to Hoffman’s family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this time of profound loss.