Live updates: 3 dead, 2 injured in University of Virginia shooting

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Three people died and two were injured after a shooting at the University of Virginia late Sunday night, according to university President Jim Ryan and campus police.

Here’s what we know: Filming took place at the Culbreth Garage on Culbreth Road. The university police issued an initial alarm around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday evening. The other two victims injured in the shooting are receiving medical attention.

That University of Virginia Police Department identified the suspect as Christopher Darnell Jones, who is at large and is believed to be armed and dangerous. Ryan said he is a UVA student.

Authorities described Jones as wearing a burgundy jacket or hoodie, blue jeans and red shoes. He may be driving a black SUV with Virginia badges TWX3580.

While law enforcement search for him, people in the area are being asked to take shelter on the spot. If you have any questions, UVA’s emergency hotline is 877-685-4836.

Hours after several people were shot dead at the University of Virginia, Virginia’s top officials share their thoughts.

“I pray 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 and said his office is helping with the investigation.

“The Attorney General’s Office is working with federal and state law enforcement agencies and is actively investigating the case.” Miyares tweeted. “We will provide more information in due course.”

The two US Senators from Virginia also reacted to the shooting.

US Senator Mark Warner said he was thinking of those affected by the “tragic act of violence” at UVA.

“Please continue to follow all instructions from local law enforcement as they continue to coordinate the search for the perpetrator.” Warner tweeted.

US Senator Tim Kaine tweeted that action was needed to make communities safer.

“Heartbroken to hear about another Virginia community devastated by gun violence,” Kaine wrote. “I am praying for the UVA community and am monitoring the situation closely.”

The UVA Police Department said the search for Christopher Jones is ongoing. People on the UVA site should continue to seek shelter in place.

For questions about what is happening, UVA’s emergency hotline is 877-685-4836.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) said it was 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 just after 6:30 a.m

Just after 4:30 a.m., University President Jim Ryan confirmed that three people died and two others were injured in the shooting.

Ryan did not identify the victims or say if they were UVA students, but said the university is working with the victims’ families. He added that they will share more details as soon as they can.

“This is a message that every leader hopes never to send, and I am devastated that this violence has ravaged 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 is at large and several law enforcement agencies are looking for him.

The emergency management of the UVA expects an increased presence of the law enforcement authorities in the search for Christopher Darnell Jones in the area of ​​the university campus.

Officials urged people to continue to seek shelter on the spot.

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 are working with the UVA Police Department and local authorities and are advising people to take shelter on the spot while they work to find the suspect.