The Northern Arizona University community is standing in solidarity with the victims and their families that have had to cope with the aftermath of the shootings that transpired on October 9th.
Collin Brough was killed by the shooter and three others were wounded. The shooting took place slightly before 1:20 a.m. on Oct. 9 and all four victims were fraternity brothers in NAU’s Delta Chi Fraternity.
Brough’s funeral was held in Annapolis, Maryland this past Friday.
Brough attended high school in Annapolis, then moved on to NAU where he was an honors student studying international business.
“The victims of this morning’s shooting were pursuing dreams,” said Shayna Stevens, the executive director for the Arizona Students Association in a statement immediately addressing the shooting. “They had dedicated their current lives to receiving an education. For one student that dream is now over. For three others, the future is still uncertain. I can’t begin to understand the grief and sorrow their families and friends are going through right now.”
In addition, many of Arizona’s elected officials released statements offering their condolences.
“I can say without a doubt that Flagstaff will only grow stronger in difficult moments like these,” said U.S. Representative Ann Kirkpatrick. “Today, my thoughts are with the victims and their families and our entire community.”
Arizona Senator Jeff Flake also offered a statement to the victims of the shooting.
“My heart goes out to those who have been affected by this incident,” Flake said. “Cheryl and I send our prayers to the victims, their loved ones, the entire NAU family, and the community of Flagstaff.”
NAU and the Flagstaff community have been able to unite around this tragedy and offer their prayers and support to the victims and their families.
Last Tuesday afternoon a march consisting of students, faculty and administrators joined with residents of the community to remember Brough and the other victims.
According to the Arizona Daily Sun nearly 2,000 students and members of the community participated in the march that was led by NAU President Rita Cheng and Flagstaff Mayor Jerry Nabours.
“The tragic events of last Friday have left us all in a state of shock,” said NAU President Rita Cheng. “Our hearts go out to the students involved and their families, their lives will never be the same and for that I’m deeply saddened.”
Cheng also reflected on the idea that community must stay united in order to move past the tragedy.
“I know in my heart that the bonds that hold us together will be strengthened by learning from, and caring for each other in the days and weeks ahead,” Cheng said.
This past Tuesday the suspect in the NAU shooting, Steven Edward Jones, was charged with second-degree murder for the deadly shooting that occurred on the morning.
Initially charged with first degree murder, the murder charge was reduced to the second degree after complaints regarding the lack of premeditation shown by the suspect.
If convicted of second-degree murder, Steven Jones could face up to 25 years in prison.