TWO people were killed and four injured in a mass shooting at a US university campus last night.
University of North Carolina Charlotte was put on lockdown after a gunman opened fire at 5:45pm (9:45pm GMT) – sparking chaotic scenes as students ran for cover.
A suspect – named locally as 22-year-old student Trystan Andrew Tyrell – was arrested shortly after the rampage, which sparked a huge police response.
Dramatic mobile phone footage captured the moment cops cuffed the suspected gunman and bundled him into a waiting police car.
The video shows a man dressed in a black hooded top and grey sweatpants being led away by running officers.
Two people were found dead at the scene and two others have suffered life-threatening injuries, medics said.
We are in shock to learn of an active shooter situation on the campus of UNC Charlotte
Vi Lyles
A further two victims have injuries that are not life-threatening, Mecklenburg Emergency Medical Services Agency said.
Terrell was a history major at the school before dropping out this semester, according to WCNC-TV.
Vi Lyles, Charlotte Mayor, said: “We are in shock to learn of an active shooter situation on the campus of UNC Charlotte.
“My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives, those injured, the entire UNCC community and the courageous first responders who sprang into action to help others.”
Panic erupted when the university sent an alert to its students reading: “Shots reported near kennedy. Run, Hide, Fight. Secure yourself immediately.”
Local TV reports showed cops sprinting towards a building on the sprawling campus.
Another view showed terrified and confused students running away from the scene.
It was not immediately clear whether the victims were students or staff at the university in North Carolina’s biggest city.
The campus – of more than 26,500 students and 3,000 faculty and staff – was due to host a rap concert at the school’s football stadium last night before the attack unfolded.
Students were finishing classes on what was the final day of the academic year when the shooter struck.
Final exams were scheduled for next week.
Sam Rice, a senior on UNC Charlotte’s tennis team, said he was in the library studying for a final exam when he heard people shouting “shooter, shooter.”
He said he heard police yelling for people to stay down and stay on the floor and was “waiting for someone to tell us everything was going to be OK.”
U.S. Representative Mark Walker, a Republican from North Carolina, said: “Absolutely heartbroken to learn of the two deaths at UNC-Charlotte.
“Details still unfolding, but prayers with those receiving medical care right now.”
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