Dear colleagues,
Yesterday’s tragic shooting at the Boise Towne Square mall was a shared trauma for the Boise community. We’ve heard stories of shock and survival from students who were witnesses or at the mall during the shooting. Our hearts break for the families and loved ones of the individuals who died, the wounded, those who witnessed or experienced the event, and for all of us as we navigate disconcerting feelings and loss of our sense of security.
I want to reassure you as members of the campus community that our public safety and communications teams are in regular contact with the Boise Police Department. Ripples of this traumatic event continue to affect our campus, with some students and parents expressing concerns about unsubstantiated rumors on social media regarding threats to our campus that target or involve students. We want you to know that our Campus Security team, in cooperation with the Boise Police Department, is tracking those social media comments and other sources. They continue to report that there are no confirmed threats to our campus or outstanding suspects related to yesterday’s events. We encourage members of our community to not share unconfirmed information. Anyone who has information they wish to report should contact police directly. Public Safety on campus can be reached at (208) 426-6911 or publicsafety@boisestate.edu.
Please give grace to the people around you today. Be patient with others. Show empathy for what we are all experiencing, and reach out to someone if you need support. This grief is in the hearts of all Idahoans today and Boise State University’s Health Services and Counseling Services are available for any member of the campus community who wishes to connect. Students are also welcome to contact the Office of the Dean of Students for additional resources, and employees are reminded to take advantage of free counseling resources offered through the Boise State Employee Assistance Program.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marlene Tromp, President
Alicia Estey, Vice President for University Affairs and Chief of Staff
Dr. John Buckwalter, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs