Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, 

I am writing to follow up on the incident that occurred during the evening hours of Sunday, April 27, 2025, which resulted in several ISU Emergency Alerts notifying the campus community. I also want to assure you that the safety and security of our campus community are our top priorities.  

At approximately 7:40 p.m., Illinois State University police received reports of shots fired at the Bone Student Center in the west first-floor entryway. Police have confirmed one known victim at this time, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation remains active, and investigators have just released two photos of a person of interest, asking for the public’s assistance in identifying that individual. The photos are available on the ISU Police’s Facebook page. 

I share the sentiments expressed by many in our community, including concern for the victim and their family, as well as shock and anger that such violence occurred on our campus. 

I want to commend the ISUPD and the staff at the Bone Student Center for their quick response last evening in securing the location and assisting those nearby. Additionally, I want to thank the Normal Police Department, Bloomington Police Department, McLean County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, and Normal Fire Department for their continued assistance with the investigation.  

Illinois State University is dedicated to providing student experiences that are safe, inclusive, and reflective of our university values. I encourage you to download the Safe Redbirds app, which offers in-person and virtual safe walks and various safety-related features, including virtual blue lights, emergency guides, emergency-related maps, and support resources. 

Understandably, students, faculty, and staff may experience distress because of this incident. I ask instructors to extend flexibility to students who might have been impacted or direct them to the following resources. There are also resources available to faculty and staff who need assistance. 

Available resources: 

• For students:  
  • Urgent walk-in counseling services will be available for students at the Student Services Building, Room 320, starting Monday, April 28, 2025, at 8 a.m. Counseling support is also accessible by contacting 309-438-3655. Press option 2 to speak to a counselor immediately. 
• For faculty and staff:  
  • Mental health services are available by contacting ComPsych at 833-955-3400 /800-697-0353 (TDD/TTY).  

Bone Student Center:  

• The Bone Student Center is closed today, Monday, April 28, 2025.  

• Individuals needing to retrieve personal items left behind may do so today, Monday, April 28, 2025, until 4:30 p.m., and again tomorrow, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, beginning at 7 a.m., at the Welcome Desk on the first floor of the building. The north entrance near the Visitors Parking Lot will be accessible today only for this purpose.   

• The Bone Student Center will reopen on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 7 a.m., and all employees assigned to the Bone should report to work as regularly scheduled. Employees should contact their direct supervisor with any questions.  

I want to reiterate that this isolated incident remains under investigation by the Illinois State University Police. Anyone with information should contact the ISU Police Department at ISUPolice@ilstu.edu or call 309-438-8631. 

To conclude, let us lean on one another with compassion and strength in this challenging moment. Let us call on the support, kindness, and resilience that have always defined the Redbird community and stand united as we continue building a safe, caring future together.  

Sincerely,  

Aondover Tarhule, Ph.D. 

President