The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) community is grieving the tragic deaths of two people who were found shot in a dorm room on Friday morning. The incident has prompted the cancellation of classes and a day of healing for students and staff.
The victims and the suspect
The two victims were identified as Samuel Knopp, 24, of Parker, and Celie Rain Montgomery, 26, of Pueblo. Knopp was a senior studying music and a talented guitar player, while Montgomery was not a student at UCCS. The police have not disclosed the relationship between the two, but they said the shooting was an isolated incident between parties that were known to each other.
The police have not released any information about the suspect or the motive behind the shooting. They said they are still investigating the case and following up on leads. They have asked anyone with information to contact the Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-7000.
The campus response
The shooting was reported at 5:59 a.m. on Friday, when campus police received a call of shots fired at the Crestone House residence. Officers arrived at the scene at 6:05 a.m. and found the two victims dead in a dorm room. The campus was put on lockdown for an hour until the police determined there was no active shooter threat.
The university announced the closure of the campus for the weekend and Monday, and offered counseling and support services to students and staff. Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet issued a statement expressing her condolences and praising Knopp as a beloved member of the Visual and Performing Arts department.
On Monday, the university organized a day of healing, which included a healing circle, a healing walk, and a candlelight vigil. The events were aimed at providing a space for the campus community to come together, share their emotions, and honor the lives of the victims.
The impact and the future
The shooting has shocked and saddened the UCCS community, as well as the wider Colorado Springs area. Many people have expressed their sympathy and solidarity with the university on social media and through donations to a fund set up by the UCCS Alumni Association to support the victims’ families.
The university has also vowed to continue its efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of its students and staff. Sobanet said the university will review its security protocols and procedures, and work with the police and other partners to prevent such incidents from happening again.
She also said the university will not let the tragedy define it, but rather focus on its mission of education and service. She said the university will honor the memory of Knopp and Montgomery by continuing to pursue excellence and compassion in everything they do.
