Six people were shot late Halloween night just steps from the University of Delaware campus in Newark. Police later charged one of the victims, a 16-year-old, after finding him with a loaded firearm.
The shooting happened at 11:13 p.m. Saturday during a large gathering on East Main Street. All six victims, ages 15 to 21, were taken to a local hospital, and the 16-year-old remained hospitalized in Newark Police custody Sunday evening after arraignment and $60,100 cash bail.
University of Delaware classes
The University of Delaware suspended all classes on Monday, Nov. 2, then said in-person and virtual classes would resume Wednesday, Nov. 4. Laura A. Carlson, Bill Farquhar and Ellen Herbst told the campus community that the days after the shooting adjacent to campus affected everyone, and they said campus would stay open.
The university kept dining, operations and support services open, with walk-in counseling available at Warner Hall on Monday and 24/7 access through TimelyCare. The closure came even as the university said it was not because of an ongoing safety concern, and Newark Police said there was no active threat to the community.
Newark Police investigation
Police charged the 16-year-old with possession of a firearm by a person under 21, carrying a concealed deadly weapon and breach of release. Delaware State Police were coordinating with the Newark Police Department on the investigation, according to Matt Meyer, who said, "No family should have to receive the call that someone they love has been shot. Today, people in Newark and Ellendale are facing pain and fear that no one should have to endure".
Meyer also said, "This is not normal. We must never accept gun violence as a part of life in Delaware." Klondike Kate said the violence did not take place inside the restaurant or on its property, and the shooting near campus remained under investigation as classes were set to resume after Election Day.
