Alcorn State University Statement on off-campus shooting ASU mourns the passing of students James Carr and Tahir Fitzhugh

Carr and Fitzhugh

Alcorn State University Public Relations,

Carr and Fitzhugh
Carr and Fitzhugh

Statement from the Office of Alcorn Public Relations

Overnight Monday, Feb. 17, Alcorn State University was notified by local authorities that four of our students were involved in a shooting that occurred at a non-university event venue 13 miles north of campus off Highway 61 in Claiborne County.

Three of the students were transported to the Claiborne County Medical Center in Port Gibson. We are deeply saddened to report that two students have passed as a result of critical injuries suffered in the shooting. One student is being treated at the hospital and is listed in stable condition.

Claiborne County and state law enforcement authorities indicate one of the alleged perpetrators is still at large. Although campus safety was not compromised, out of an abundance of caution, Alcorn Campus Police instituted a lockdown on all campuses. The lockdown has been lifted and the university is open for normal business operations.

The university’s Division of Student Affairs Office of Counseling Services will have counselors available to any students, faculty or staff impacted by this tragic and traumatic event. We also ask the public and media to respect student privacy at this time.

Alcorn State University extends our heartfelt prayers to the families and loved ones of the students we lost and humbly ask for the university community’s thoughts and prayers for the full recovery of those injured and impacted as a result of this unfortunate event. As more information is gathered, we will share it accordingly.

The passing of a student deeply affects the entire Alcorn family and is especially difficult and heart breaking. Alcorn State University faculty, staff, students and alumni are deeply mourning the passing of student scholars James Carr, a 22-year-old freshman from Itta Bena, Mississippi and Tahir Fitzhugh, a 20-year-old junior from Brookhaven, Pennsylvania.

Alcorn President Felecia M. Nave, extends her personal expressions of sympathy and condolences to the Carr and Fitzhugh families. 

“Alcorn is more than a university, we are a family. Today, we lost two dear members of our beloved Brave Family. There are no words to help ease the pain that has befallen our campus. We know time heals all wounds and take comfort in the fact that through time, prayer and being there for each other, we will be able to celebrate and honor James and Tahir’s memory. I want the Carr and Fitzhugh families, friends and loved ones to know that the deepest and most heartfelt sympathies and prayers of Alcorn State University are with them at this time.”

Individual and group counseling services are available to students, faculty and staff through the university’s Office of Counseling Services. Additionally, the list of services below is also available.

Alcorn State University Counseling Services

601 877-6230

Alcorn State University Health & Disability Services

601 877-6460

National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1 800 273-8255

Southwest MS Mental Health Complex

601 684-2173

Warren-Yazoo Behavioral Health Services

601 638-0031

More information regarding memorial services and funeral arrangements will be released once confirmed.

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