CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Three people died and two were hurt after a shooting at the University of Virginia late Sunday night, according to university officials.
Here's what we know: The shooting happened on a charter bus at the Culbreth Garage. University police issued an alert around 10:30 p.m. Sunday night.
The victims who died were UVA football players Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis and D'Sean Perry. The two other victims in the shooting are receiving medical care, one of them being in critical condition.
The University of Virginia Police Department identified the suspect as UVA student Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., who was at large and considered armed and dangerous. He was taken into custody Monday morning in Henrico County, just outside of Richmond.
As law enforcement agencies looked for him, people in the area were ordered to shelter in place for several hours, but it has since been lifted. For questions about the shooting, UVA's emergency hotline is 877-685-4836.
7 p.m. - Community attends vigils to mourn together
People filled the pews at St. Paul's Memorial Church for a prayer service, and hundreds of students gathered on the South Lawn to light candles for the lives lost.
The candlelight vigil was put together by the UVA Student Council, to allow people on the university's grounds to join together in reflection.
5:49 p.m. - Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. booked at the Henrico County Sheriff's Office
Online records obtained by 13News Now show that the alleged shooter was processed in Henrico County Monday evening.
Jones Jr. faces three non-Capital second degree murder charges and three charges of use of firearm in the commission of a felony. His bond was set at $0.
4:45 p.m. - Coach, athletics director mourn players' deaths
Virginia head football coach Tony Elliott and Virginia athletics director Carla Williams issued statements about Sunday night's deadly shooting.
Coach Elliott said: "I cannot find the words to express the devastation and heartache that our team is feeling today after the tragic events last night that resulted in the deaths of Lavel, D’Sean and Devin, and the others who were injured. These were incredible young men with huge aspirations and extremely bright futures. Our hearts ache for their families, their classmates and their friends. These precious young men were called away too soon. We are all fortunate to have them be a part of our lives. They touched us, inspired us and worked incredibly hard as representatives of our program, university and community. Rest in peace, young men.”
Athletics director Williams said: "As a mother of three children, I ache for the parents and family members. We lost three talented and bright young men. We will never see what their impact on the world would have been, but we will never forget their impact on us. I miss Lavel, D’Sean and Devin. I pray for peace, comfort and hope for their parents and loved ones. For their teammates, coaches and friends, I pray for strength and a peace that surpasses all understanding."
4:12 p.m. - UVA offers mental health services to community
The University of Virginia Emergency Management department is offering mental health help to survivors, loved ones and community members affected by the deadly shooting.
If you want help, you can go to the Assitance Center at the corner of Edgemont Road and McCormick Road (505 Edgemont Road).
3:35 p.m. - There will be no classes or academic activities at UVA tomorrow
UVA President James Ryan said although the search for a suspect was over, the work of understanding the shooting that took three lives was "just beginning."
He said in light of the incredibly challenging day, and to give students a chance to reflect, mourn and gather, there wouldn't be any classes or formal activities on Tuesday, Nov. 15.
"We have also asked deans and, through them, the faculty to be as flexible as possible with respect to students, assignments, and attendance. We are also working with students to plan a university-wide vigil," Ryan wrote.
If you need to speak with Counseling and Psychological Services, you can call 434-243-5150 any time of day or night.
2:38 p.m. - Expect more police activity today, Charlottesville and Albemarle County say
Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville released a joint statement thanking law enforcement for arresting Christopher Jones.
The joint statement said the University of Virginia is leading the investigation, in partnership with state and federal law enforcement.
In the meantime, people should expect more police activity and an increased security presence throughout the community.
"The community is reminded, if you see something, say something – call 911 to report anything concerning," the statement read.
2:22 p.m. - Charter bus towed away
Authorities are clearing the shooting scene. The charter bus where the shooting happened is being towed away.
2:18 p.m. - Students, staff honor the victims
The students and staff at the University of Virginia are honoring the victims who lost their lives in the Sunday night shooting.
Jack Hamilton, a professor of American Studies & Media Studies at UVA, tweeted that Devin Chandler and Lavel Davis were his students, sharing a few stories of theirs.
13News Now's Allison Bazzle shared a picture of a sign with the jersey numbers of Chandler, Davis and D'Sean Perry written on it. Several students in fraternity houses are also putting out signs.
1:38 p.m. - Community vigil in the works
UVA President Jim Ryan thanked law enforcement for their work to find the suspect, Christopher Jones, and said the university is working with student leaders to plan a community vigil to honor the lives lost in the shooting.
1:10 p.m. - White House speaks out on UVA shooting
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre released a statement on the University of Virginia shooting, saying the President and First Lady are mourning with the community.
"Our deepest condolences are with the countless families, friends, and neighbors grieving for those killed as well as those injured in this senseless shooting," Jean-Pierre wrote.
Jean-Pierre added that the Biden administration is in close contact with state and local officials and thanked authorities for their swift response. She concluded her statement by calling for action to address gun violence.
"Earlier this year, President Biden signed the most significant gun safety law in nearly three decades, in addition to taking other historic actions," she wrote. "But we must do more. We need to enact an assault weapons ban to get weapons of war off America’s streets. House Democrats acted, and the Senate should follow."
12:25 p.m. - Virginia-Northern Iowa game canceled
The men’s basketball game between the University of Virginia and Northern Iowa scheduled for Monday night was canceled.
It was supposed to take place at the John Paul Jones Arena.
12:20 p.m. - ODU head coach speaks out
Old Dominion University Head Football Coach Ricky Rahne shared a tweet shortly after noon, saying he's saddened to see "3 futures needlessly end."
"As a coach of 112 young men & a father of 2 more, my heart is broken for the [UVA football] family & the families of the 3 young men whose lives were tragically cut short," Rahne wrote.
12:08 p.m. - Suspect was on university's radar before shooting, UVA police chief says
UVA Police Chief Tim Longo said the suspect, Christopher Jones, came to the attention of the university's threat assessment team in the fall of 2022.
"In fact, in September 2022, our Office of Student Affairs reported to the multidisciplinary threat assessment team they received information that Mr. Jones had made a comment about possessing a gun to a person that was unaffiliated with the university," Longo said.
He said that the person never saw the gun and the comment about Jones' gun wasn't made alongside a threat.
Following the report, the Office of Student Affairs followed up with the reporting person and tried to reach out to Jones and his roommate. Jones' roommate didn't report seeing a weapon, Longo said.
Jones was also allegedly involved in a hazing investigation, but Longo didn't have many details on the specifics.
Longo said the threat assessment team's investigation found that Jones had a prior criminal incident involving a concealed weapon violation outside of Charlottesville in February 2021.
"What's interesting about that case is he's required, as a student at the University of Virginia, to report that and he never did, so the university has taken appropriate administrative charges to the university's judiciary council," Longo said. "That matter is still pending adjudication."
11:43 a.m. - VT head coach gives his support
Virginia Tech Head Football Coach Brent Pry tweeted a message on behalf of the school's football family, saying UVA has their love and support.
"We are praying, sending sympathy and support to Coach Elliott, his staff, his team, their families, and the entire [UVA] community," Pry wrote.
11:40 a.m. - Charges the suspect faces
UVA Police Chief Tim Longo said Jones was charged with three counts each of second-degree murder and using a handgun in the commission of a felony.
He added that the charges could change if new information becomes available and will consult the Commonwealth's Attorney on the matter.
11:15 a.m. - Suspect in custody
During the Monday morning press conference, UVA Police Chief Tim Longo confirmed Christopher Darnell Jones is in custody.
The Henrico County Police Division said Jones was arrested in the 5700 block of Edgelawn Street, which is just outside of Richmond.
He was notified midway through the press conference. Following a brief pause, Longo said," Just need a moment to thank God. What a sigh of relief."
11:12 a.m. - Officials confirm identities of those killed
UVA President Jim Ryan confirmed that the three people who died were football players. They were:
- Devin Chandler, a second-year student.
- Lavel Davis, a third-year student from Ridgeville, South Carolina.
- D'Sean Perry, a fourth-year student from Miami, Florida.
Of the two other victims, one is in critical condition and the other is expected to recover. Ryan also said the shooting happened on a bus full of students returning from a field trip.
11 a.m. - Press conference
Officials are giving an update over 12 hours after the shooting at the University of Virginia was reported. Watch it live at the top of this story.
10:38 a.m. - Shelter-in-place lifted
The shelter-in-place order was lifted following "a thorough search on and around Grounds," UVA police said. A large police presence will remain.
The UVA Police Department made the announcement shortly after 10:30 a.m. The press conference regarding the shooting investigation is expected at 11 a.m.
9:32 a.m. - Press conference coming
Authorities will hold a press conference at 11 a.m., over 12 hours after the shooting at the University of Virginia was reported.
13News Now will provide live coverage.
8:16 a.m. - Number for non-emergency medical needs
The UVA Police Department said those sheltering in place with a non-emergency medical need can call 434-243-0968.
7:45 a.m. - Top Virginia officials weigh in on shooting
Hours after several people were shot at the University of Virginia, Virginia's top officials are sharing their thoughts.
"Praying for those at UVA," Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears wrote on Twitter.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares offered his prayers for the UVA family and community, saying his office is helping with the investigation.
"The Office of Attorney General is working with federal and state law enforcement and they are actively investigating the case," Miyares tweeted. "We will provide more information at the appropriate time."
Both of Virginia's U.S. senators also responded to the shooting.
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner said he is thinking of those impacted by the "tragic act of violence" at UVA.
"Please continue to follow all guidance from local law enforcement as they continue to coordinate the search for the perpetrator," Warner tweeted.
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine tweeted that action is needed to make communities safer.
"Heartbroken to hear of another Virginia community devastated by gun violence," Kaine wrote. "Praying for the UVA community and closely monitoring the situation."
7:30 a.m. - Search for suspect continues
The UVA Police Department said the search for Christopher Jones continues. People at UVA's grounds should continue to shelter in place.
For questions about what's happening, UVA's emergency hotline is 877-685-4836.
6:45 a.m. - ATF joins investigation of shooting
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) said it is responding to help Virginia State Police and the university investigate the shooting.
The agency's Washington field division, which covers Virginia, tweeted about the investigation shortly after 6:30 a.m.
6:35 a.m. - What UVA's president is saying
Shortly after 4:30 a.m., University President Jim Ryan confirmed that three people died and two others were hurt in the shooting.
Ryan didn't identify the victims or say if they were UVA students but said the university working with the families of the victims. He added they will share more details as soon as they can.
"This is a message any leader hopes never to have to send, and I am devastated that this violence has visited the University of Virginia," Ryan wrote.
Ryan also confirmed that the suspect, Christopher Jones, is a UVA student. As of 6:30 a.m., he remains at large and several law enforcement agencies are searching for him.
6:16 a.m. - Search for suspect underway
UVA's emergency management said to expect increased law enforcement presence as they search for Christopher Darnell Jones in the area of the university's grounds.
Officials asked people to continue sheltering in place.
6:13 a.m. - Youngkin says Virginia State Police is helping
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin wrote on Twitter that he and his wife, Suzanne, are praying for the UVA community.
He added that Virginia State Police is working with the UVA police department and local authorities, advising people to shelter in place while they work to find the suspect.