To: All Faculty & All Academic Professionals & All Civil Service Staff &
           All Undergrad Students & All Grad Students <everybody@illinois.edu> 
    From: "President Hogan and VP-Chancellor Wise" <chancellor@illinois.edu>

Reply-To: chancellor@illinois.edu
 Subject: MASSMAIL - Message to members of the Illinois family

Members of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign family:

Early this morning three people were shot at a private house party near 
campus. We write now to share with you what we know of this incident and 
to assure you that counselors are available to help you cope with any 
anxiety it has created.

The details of the incident are still unfolding and a rigorous 
investigation is under way, but we do know that police quickly determined 
the shooting stemmed from a conflict at the party. 

The extent of the three victims' injuries has not been released. We do 
know that one of the victims is a student at the University of Illinois 
at Urbana-Champaign -- senior football student-athlete Trulon Henry, a 
two-year starter for the Fighting Illini. He was shot in the hand and 
underwent surgery. He will miss the remainder of the regular season, and 
his status for a possible bowl appearance is unknown.
 
Henry, who was not originally at the party, was called by a teammate to 
go to the location to help encourage the players at the party to leave. 
Henry was one of three people shot. 

Officers from Urbana, the University of Illinois, Champaign and Champaign 
County responded to the scene. Because the incident happened within the 
jurisdiction of the Urbana police, that agency is leading the response 
and investigation. U. of I. police are assisting. The investigation 
includes interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence at the scene and 
continuing to search for the suspect, who is described as a black man, 
younger than 30 years old, with dreadlocks and wearing a dark coat. He 
was last seen leaving the scene in a silver Dodge Charger with black 
racing stripes.

We urge any witnesses to come forward and cooperation with authorities. 

U. of I. police said there was never any threat to students elsewhere on 
campus, but as soon as the police were able to confer with Urbana 
officers and confirm the appropriate information to be released, they 
sent an Illini-Alert to the campus. Additionally, Student Affairs staff 
members called sorority and fraternity houses in the area to alert them. 
Our own police department is working closely with the Urbana Police 
Department and has stepped up its patrols in the area and on the campus.


We want to emphasize that counselors also are ready to assist students, 
faculty, and staff.  If students or student groups need immediate 
counseling assistance, they should call the Emergency Dean at 217-333-
0050. As always, counseling services are available to students by calling 
217-333-3704, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The number for 
faculty and staff to call for counseling is 217-244-5312.

Incidents like this have a profound effect on all of us.  They can cause 
anxiety and concern.  Some people may feel the stress more deeply than 
others.  Please look out for those around you.  Students, friends, and 
colleagues may be particularly sensitive.  Small acts of kindness can 
help them and can strengthen our community. 
 
We appreciate the concern, empathy, and assistance that all of you in the 
University of Illinois community offer at a time like this. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Mike                       Phyllis
 
Michael J. Hogan           Phyllis M. Wise
President                  Vice President & Chancellor


This mailing approved by:
The Office of the Chancellor

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