Howard University officials are currently working to address safety concerns after a large group attacked several students following the Parent and Student Town Hall.
According to a report from the Metropolitan Police Department, a mob of 15 or more teenagers attacked students outside of the residence call. One victim was assaulted and stabbed by two suspects. The victim’s keys, iPhone and a pair of Air Jordans were also stolen.
Howard University President Wayne Frederick released a statement following the vicious attack, reassuring the HU community that their safety is a priority.
“Maintaining the safety and well-being of Howard University students is our first priority,” said Frederick in a letter. “We are investigating not only this incident but also our response to it. We apologize to our students who expressed that our public safety response did not meet their expectations of support and assistance.”
“It has come to our attention that video footage from this past Saturday of physical altercations at a Georgia Avenue restaurant and outside of one of our student residence halls are now circulating on social media. Based on information gathered by the Howard University Department of Public Safety (HUDPS) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), we believe that the perpetrators involved in the altercation are not Howard University students,” the letter read.
The attack follows a series of violent incidents in the area.
Last month, a man was shot and killed on the Catholic University of America campus following a robbery attempt. Two weeks later, another shooting occurred near the campus.