Shooting Near WNMU Campus Triggers Shelter-in-Place Advisory
DEMING – A shooting near Western New Mexico University (WNMU) in Silver City on Thursday, August 20, 2024, prompted the university to issue a shelter-in-place advisory. The advisory, which affected students, faculty, and staff, has since been lifted.
The suspects involved remain at large, driving an older white Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme or a similar model. One suspect has extensive facial tattoos. Authorities advise the public to dial 911 immediately if the vehicle is spotted and to avoid approaching it.
WNMU President Joseph Shepard stated that the shelter-in-place was lifted after a thorough assessment determined that the campus was not in immediate danger. He emphasized that the safety of the university community is the highest priority, noting, “At no point was any student, staff, or faculty member, to the best of our knowledge, ever in danger.”
The university utilized its RAVE Alert system to communicate quickly with the campus during the emergency.