Jackson State University was plunged into sorrow as classes were suspended on Monday following the fatal shooting of a student on campus. In a statement issued by acting President Elayne Hayes-Anthony, it was revealed that Jaylen Burns, an industrial technology major from Chicago, was taken to the hospital after gunshots were reported at the University Pointe Apartment Complex, situated on the Valley Street side of the campus. The shooting occurred around 10 p.m. on Sunday.
According to authorities, Burns attempted to drive himself to the hospital but was unable to complete the journey. Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade stated, “We made contact with the man at Lynch Street and Alta Vista, who had been shot multiple times. Upon speaking with a witness on scene, she had said it had transpired on the campus of JSU, near the apartment complex University Pointe.”
Jaylen Burns was not only a student but also a campus leader. He was known for his involvement with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and his role as the president of the C100 Chapter at JSU, an affiliate of the 100 Black Men of America.
The Jackson Police Department (JPD) is now working in collaboration with campus police to investigate this tragic shooting. Officers have been diligently scouring the University Pointe Apartment Complex for evidence.
Classes canceled at Jackson State University after student killed on campus
Jaylen Burns was shot and killed at the University Pointe Apartment Complex, according to the university.Burns, who was an industrial technology major from Chicago, was taken to a hospital after the pic.twitter.com/kQqJ3HWBWZ
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Acting President Elayne Hayes-Anthony conveyed her condolences, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Jaylen’s family, friends, and all those who knew him. He was an ambitious and bright young man, who believed in being of service. We grieve the tragic loss of his life due to this act of violence.”
This incident marks the second consecutive night of violence on the campus, with a separate shooting reported the previous night. Following the first incident, additional security measures were implemented by interim Jackson State President Dr. Elayne Hayes Anthony, and these measures will continue. Both shootings remain under investigation, and the university urges students to report any concerns to the Jackson State University Department of Public Safety.
