Safety updates, Oct. 16, 2022

** Update: Individual arrested following Devon Lane shooting

To the JMU community,

The Harrisonburg community experienced a serious incident that occurred overnight when an unknown individual(s) fired multiple times into a crowd at an outdoor gathering around 2:20 a.m.

While the victims from this incident sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are not students currently enrolled at James Madison University, it is important to keep them in your thoughts as they recover.  

A shelter in place notice and subsequent updates were sent to the JMU community through JMU’s LiveSafe app (DukeSafe) and internal alerting system earlier this morning. If you are a current student or faculty/staff member and did not receive these messages, it is critically important to download or update the LiveSafe app for future messages.

As we are transitioning back to campus from fall break and the weekend, please remember ways to maintain your personal safety. It is important to travel in groups, lock your doors, be aware of your surroundings, know the individuals you welcome into your living space and always report suspicious people and behavior to police immediately.

For more updates on this specific incident, please follow the City of Harrisonburg’s social media channels. The Harrisonburg Police Department is investigating this incident and will be the primary source for updates.

If you need additional support from the JMU Police Department or would like to schedule a security assessment for your off-campus home, please contact the non-emergency number at 540-568-6912.

Take care and stay safe,

Chief Anthony Matos

JMU Police