On February 1, 2022 two police officers were murdered on the campus of Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Virginia. Campus Safety Officer J.J. Jefferson and Officer John Painter were both shot and killed on campus. Alexander Campbell, 27, is accused in the double homicide.
At 1:00 p.m. a 911 call was made regarding a suspicious man on the grounds of Bridgewater College. Officers Jefferson and Painter responded to the scene and confronted the suspect identified as Alexander.
After a brief interaction, Alexander then allegedly shot both officers and then ran away. Officers Jefferson and Painter died on the scene.
Another 911 call was made to report the shots fired. The college then went on lock down. Authorities responded to the scene and went to various classrooms to secure the location and look for the suspect.
Alexander was finally caught nearly an hour later near a river off campus. The lock down was lifted at the college just after 4:30 p.m.
Alexander was shot moments before he was arrested, at this time it is unclear whether the gunshot was self inflicted or by police. Alexander is charged with two counts of capital murder, one count of first-degree murder, and one count of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Alexander is being held at jail without bond. Classes were canceled on Wednesday at the college.
Bridgewater College has an enrollment of around 2,000 students.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin shared the following statement:
My heart is broken tonight by the tragic loss of two officers at Bridgewater College today. These officers were dedicated to protecting the students and faculty of the college and I have ordered that the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia be flown at half-staff tomorrow to honor their memory and courageous efforts. The First Lady and I ask Virginians to keep their family, friends, and the Bridgewater community in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
