UNCW Shooting: Remembering the Victims & Strengthening Campus Safety

Sep 19, 2025

Remembering the Victims of the UNCW Shooting

The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) community was irrevocably shaken by the tragic shooting that occurred on November 15, 2021. This event left an enduring mark on the university and the wider Wilmington community. It is essential to remember and honor the victims, whose lives were cut short and whose absence is profoundly felt.

Three students, Griffin Heintz, a 2021 graduate, and two current students, James Faison and Samuel Kempton, were injured in the shooting. Mike Adams, a former professor, was killed by authorities in a separate, unrelated incident following the campus shooting.

Remembering goes beyond simply acknowledging the event. It involves reflecting on the lives of those impacted and the futures that were stolen. The UNCW community has held vigils, memorial services, and established scholarships in their names to ensure their legacies live on. These acts of remembrance serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of campus safety and the need to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

The lasting impact extends beyond the immediate victims and their families. It touches every student, faculty member, and staff member at UNCW, as well as the surrounding community. The sense of security was shattered, and the healing process is ongoing. By remembering the victims, we can honor their memory and dedicate ourselves to creating a safer and more supportive campus environment.

The Timeline of the UNCW Shooting: A Detailed Account

Understanding the timeline of events is crucial for analyzing the response, identifying potential areas for improvement, and preventing future incidents. This section provides a detailed account of the UNCW shooting, piecing together information from official reports, witness testimonies, and news coverage.

The Day of the Shooting: November 15, 2021

The shooting occurred on the afternoon of November 15, 2021, at approximately 3:30 PM in the second floor of McNeil Hall, a building that houses a number of academic departments.

Initial reports indicate that the shooter, a former UNCW student, entered McNeil Hall armed with a handgun. Shots were fired, and students and faculty immediately began to shelter in place or evacuate the building.

Emergency Response and Lockdown

The UNCW Police Department swiftly responded to the scene, initiating a campus-wide lockdown and alerting students and staff via the university's emergency alert system. This system utilized text messages, emails, and social media to disseminate information and instructions.

Students and faculty were directed to shelter in place, barricading doors and remaining hidden until further notice. The lockdown lasted for several hours, as law enforcement officers worked to secure the building and the surrounding area.

Apprehension of the Suspect

The suspect, Trystan Andrew Terrell, was apprehended by law enforcement without incident approximately 20 minutes after the initial shots were fired. He was taken into custody and later charged in connection with the shooting.

Aftermath and Investigation

Following the apprehension of the suspect, law enforcement began a thorough investigation of the scene, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. The university canceled classes for the remainder of the week to allow students and faculty to process the trauma and begin the healing process.

The investigation revealed that the suspect had a history of mental health issues and had been involuntarily committed in the past. However, he was legally able to purchase a firearm at the time of the shooting.

Analyzing Campus Safety Measures at UNCW

The UNCW shooting prompted a critical examination of existing campus safety measures and a renewed focus on enhancing security protocols. This section analyzes the university's safety measures before and after the incident, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

Pre-Shooting Safety Measures

Prior to the shooting, UNCW had implemented several safety measures, including:

Emergency Alert System: A system to notify students and staff of emergencies via text, email, and social media.
Campus Police: A dedicated police force responsible for patrolling the campus and responding to emergencies.
Emergency Blue Light Phones: Strategically located phones that connect directly to campus police.
Active Shooter Training: Training sessions for students and faculty on how to respond to an active shooter situation.
Mental Health Services: Counseling and support services for students struggling with mental health issues.

However, the effectiveness of these measures was called into question following the shooting. Some students reported not receiving timely alerts, while others felt that the active shooter training was inadequate.

Post-Shooting Safety Enhancements

In the aftermath of the shooting, UNCW implemented a number of enhancements to its campus safety measures, including:

Increased Police Presence: Increased patrols and security personnel on campus.
Enhanced Emergency Alert System: Improvements to the speed and reliability of the emergency alert system.
Improved Training Programs: More comprehensive and realistic active shooter training programs.
Expanded Mental Health Services: Increased resources and support for students struggling with mental health issues.
Building Security Upgrades: Installation of improved door locks, security cameras, and access control systems.
Review of Safety Protocols: A comprehensive review of all campus safety protocols and procedures.

These enhancements represent a significant step forward in improving campus safety at UNCW. However, ongoing evaluation and refinement are necessary to ensure that these measures remain effective and responsive to evolving threats.

Areas for Further Improvement

While UNCW has made significant strides in enhancing campus safety, there are still areas where further improvement is needed:

Mental Health Support: Continued investment in mental health services, including increased staffing and reduced wait times for appointments.
Communication: Improving communication between campus police, administration, students, and faculty during emergencies.
Training and Preparedness: Ensuring that all members of the campus community are adequately trained and prepared to respond to various types of emergencies.
Collaboration: Fostering collaboration between the university, local law enforcement, and community organizations to address safety concerns.
Technology Integration: Leveraging technology to enhance safety, such as advanced surveillance systems and real-time tracking of emergency personnel.

Addressing these areas will require a sustained commitment from the university administration, faculty, students, and the wider community.

The Role of Mental Health in Campus Safety

The UNCW shooting, like many other campus violence incidents, underscores the critical role of mental health in campus safety. Addressing mental health issues proactively is essential for preventing violence and creating a supportive and inclusive campus environment.

Understanding the Connection

While mental illness is not the sole cause of violence, it can be a contributing factor in some cases. Individuals struggling with severe mental health issues may experience distorted thinking, impaired judgment, and increased impulsivity, which can increase the risk of violent behavior.

It is important to note that the vast majority of people with mental illness are not violent. However, when mental health issues are left untreated, they can exacerbate other risk factors for violence, such as substance abuse, social isolation, and access to firearms.

Providing Support and Resources

Universities have a responsibility to provide comprehensive mental health services to students, faculty, and staff. These services should include:

Counseling and Therapy: Individual and group counseling sessions to address a wide range of mental health concerns.
Psychiatric Services: Evaluation and treatment by psychiatrists, including medication management.
Crisis Intervention: Immediate support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Mental Health Education: Programs to raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce stigma.
Peer Support Programs: Opportunities for students to connect with and support one another.
Referral Services: Assistance in connecting individuals with off-campus mental health resources.

These services should be easily accessible and affordable, and they should be promoted throughout the campus community.

Promoting a Culture of Support

Creating a culture of support and understanding is crucial for encouraging individuals to seek help when they need it. This involves:

Reducing Stigma: Challenging negative stereotypes about mental illness.
Promoting Open Communication: Encouraging students, faculty, and staff to talk openly about their mental health concerns.
Training and Education: Providing training to faculty and staff on how to recognize and respond to students in distress.
Early Intervention: Identifying and addressing mental health issues early on before they escalate.

By fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment, universities can help to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and encourage individuals to seek help when they need it.

Active Shooter Training: Preparing for the Unthinkable

Active shooter training has become an essential component of campus safety programs across the United States. These training sessions aim to equip students, faculty, and staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to survive an active shooter event.

The Importance of Training

Active shooter events are unpredictable and can unfold rapidly. Having a plan and knowing how to react can significantly increase the chances of survival. Active shooter training provides individuals with the tools and strategies to make informed decisions in a high-stress situation.

Training can help individuals to:

Recognize the signs of an active shooter event.
Understand the options for responding to an active shooter (Run, Hide, Fight).
Develop a plan for evacuating or sheltering in place.
Learn how to barricade doors and use improvised weapons.
Practice communicating with law enforcement during an active shooter event.

The Run, Hide, Fight Approach

The Run, Hide, Fight approach is a widely accepted strategy for responding to an active shooter event. This approach emphasizes the importance of having options and making decisions based on the specific circumstances of the situation.

Run: If there is a safe escape route available, run away from the danger. Evacuate as quickly and quietly as possible, and do not worry about bringing belongings.
Hide: If running is not an option, hide in a secure location, such as a locked room or a closet. Barricade the door and remain quiet. Silence cell phones and other electronic devices.
Fight: As a last resort, if your life is in imminent danger, fight back against the shooter. Use any available object as a weapon and work together with others to overwhelm the shooter.

Effective Training Programs

Effective active shooter training programs should be:

Realistic: Training scenarios should simulate real-world situations as closely as possible.
Interactive: Training should involve hands-on activities and opportunities for participants to practice the skills they are learning.
Accessible: Training should be offered to all members of the campus community, including students, faculty, and staff.
Regularly Updated: Training programs should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect the latest best practices and emerging threats.

Some universities are using virtual reality simulations to provide students and staff with a more immersive and realistic training experience.

Enhancing Building Security: A Multi-Layered Approach

Securing campus buildings is a critical component of a comprehensive campus safety strategy. A multi-layered approach that incorporates physical security measures, technology, and personnel is essential for creating a safe and secure environment.

Physical Security Measures

Physical security measures can help to deter intruders, control access to buildings, and delay or prevent attacks. These measures include:

Access Control Systems: Card readers, biometric scanners, and keypads to restrict access to authorized personnel.
Security Cameras: Surveillance cameras to monitor building entrances, hallways, and other areas.
Door Locks and Barricades: Reinforced doors and locks, as well as devices for barricading doors from the inside.
Window Film: Security film to prevent glass from shattering during an attack.
Lighting: Adequate lighting to deter crime and improve visibility.
Fencing and Barriers: Fencing and barriers to restrict access to the campus perimeter.

Technology Integration

Technology can play a key role in enhancing building security. Some examples of technology-based security measures include:

Emergency Notification Systems: Systems to quickly notify occupants of emergencies via text, email, and audio alerts.
Panic Buttons: Discreet panic buttons that can be activated to summon help in an emergency.
Gunshot Detection Systems: Systems that can detect the sound of gunshots and automatically alert law enforcement.
Real-Time Location Tracking: Systems to track the location of students, faculty, and staff during an emergency.
Video Analytics: Software that can analyze video footage to detect suspicious activity.

Security Personnel

Security personnel, such as campus police officers and security guards, are an essential component of building security. These individuals can:

Patrol Buildings: Regularly patrol buildings to deter crime and identify security risks.
Monitor Security Systems: Monitor security cameras and alarm systems.
Respond to Emergencies: Respond to emergencies and provide assistance to occupants.
Enforce Security Policies: Enforce security policies and procedures.
Provide Customer Service: Provide information and assistance to students, faculty, and staff.

Effective building security requires a coordinated effort between security personnel, technology, and physical security measures.

Communication Strategies During Campus Emergencies

Effective communication is paramount during campus emergencies. Clear, timely, and accurate information can save lives and prevent panic. Universities must have well-defined communication strategies in place to ensure that students, faculty, staff, and the wider community are kept informed during a crisis.

Key Communication Channels

Universities should utilize a variety of communication channels to reach different audiences during an emergency. These channels may include:

Emergency Alert System: Text messages, emails, and social media notifications to alert students, faculty, and staff to immediate threats.
Website: A dedicated webpage with updated information about the emergency.
Social Media: Platforms like Twitter and Facebook to disseminate information and address rumors.
Email: Mass emails to students, faculty, and staff with detailed information and instructions.
Phone: Phone calls or automated voice messages to individuals or groups.
Public Address System: Announcements over the campus PA system.
Local Media: Collaboration with local news outlets to disseminate information to the wider community.

Best Practices for Emergency Communication

To ensure effective communication during a campus emergency, universities should follow these best practices:

Timeliness: Provide information as quickly as possible after an event occurs.
Accuracy: Verify information before disseminating it to the public.
Clarity: Use clear and concise language that is easy to understand.
Consistency: Ensure that all communication channels are providing consistent information.
Transparency: Be open and honest with the campus community about the situation.
Empathy: Acknowledge the emotional impact of the emergency and provide support resources.
Regular Updates: Provide regular updates on the situation as it evolves.
Feedback Mechanisms: Establish mechanisms for students, faculty, and staff to provide feedback on the communication process.

Addressing Misinformation and Rumors

In the age of social media, misinformation and rumors can spread quickly during an emergency. Universities must be proactive in addressing these issues by:

Monitoring Social Media: Actively monitoring social media platforms for misinformation and rumors.
Providing Accurate Information: Countering misinformation with accurate information from official sources.
Encouraging Critical Thinking: Encouraging students, faculty, and staff to critically evaluate information they receive from unofficial sources.
Designated Spokesperson: Designating a spokesperson to address media inquiries and provide accurate information to the public.

Community Involvement in Campus Safety

Campus safety is not solely the responsibility of university administrators and law enforcement. Community involvement is essential for creating a safe and supportive campus environment. This section explores the various ways in which students, faculty, staff, and the wider community can contribute to campus safety.

Student Involvement

Students can play a vital role in promoting campus safety by:

Reporting Suspicious Activity: Reporting any suspicious activity or concerns to campus police or other authorities.
Participating in Safety Programs: Participating in active shooter training, bystander intervention programs, and other safety initiatives.
Promoting Awareness: Raising awareness about campus safety issues among their peers.
Advocating for Change: Advocating for improvements to campus safety policies and procedures.
Serving on Safety Committees: Serving on campus safety committees and providing student input.

Faculty and Staff Involvement

Faculty and staff can contribute to campus safety by:

Being Observant: Being observant of student behavior and reporting any concerns to appropriate authorities.
Integrating Safety into Curriculum: Integrating safety topics into their courses and encouraging discussions about safety issues.
Participating in Training: Participating in active shooter training and other safety programs.
Enforcing Policies: Enforcing campus safety policies and procedures.
Serving as Role Models: Serving as role models for safe behavior.

Community Partnerships

Universities should foster partnerships with local law enforcement, community organizations, and mental health providers to enhance campus safety. These partnerships can:

Improve Communication: Improve communication and coordination between the university and the wider community.
Share Resources: Share resources and expertise to address safety concerns.
Provide Support Services: Provide support services to students, faculty, and staff who have been affected by crime or violence.
Develop Prevention Programs: Develop and implement prevention programs to address specific safety issues.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

The UNCW shooting served as a stark reminder of the importance of campus safety and the need for continuous improvement. By learning from this tragedy, UNCW and other universities can take steps to prevent future incidents and create a safer environment for all.

Key Takeaways

Some of the key takeaways from the UNCW shooting include:

The Importance of Mental Health: Addressing mental health issues proactively is essential for preventing violence.
The Need for Effective Communication: Clear, timely, and accurate communication is crucial during campus emergencies.
The Value of Training: Active shooter training can empower individuals to make informed decisions in a crisis.
The Significance of Building Security: Multi-layered security measures can help to deter intruders and protect occupants.
The Role of Community Involvement: Community involvement is essential for creating a safe and supportive campus environment.

Moving Forward

Moving forward, UNCW and other universities should:

Continuously Evaluate and Improve Safety Measures: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of existing safety measures and make adjustments as needed.
Invest in Mental Health Services: Increase investment in mental health services and reduce barriers to access.
Enhance Communication Strategies: Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies for campus emergencies.
Provide Realistic and Accessible Training: Offer realistic and accessible active shooter training to all members of the campus community.
Strengthen Community Partnerships: Foster strong partnerships with local law enforcement, community organizations, and mental health providers.
Promote a Culture of Safety: Cultivate a culture of safety where students, faculty, and staff feel empowered to report concerns and advocate for change.

By embracing these lessons and working together, universities can create a safer and more supportive environment for all members of the campus community. The memory of the victims of the UNCW shooting should serve as a constant reminder of the importance of campus safety and the need to prevent such tragedies from happening again.