It started with bullets, and then there was panic. For several frightening moments Tuesday morning, it felt like just about anyone on the University of Texas campus could have been a target.
Forty-four years after shots rang from the UT Tower in what would become the nation’s second-deadliest campus shooting, they rang out again. This time, the gunman was on the library’s sixth floor.
“He had a black mask, a black jacket dress jacket, a white T-shirt and jeans,” said witness Jose Avalos. Avalos is an electrician who was working in the library.
“He was just yelling ‘woo-hoo’ like if you were at a football game or a sporting event,” Avalos said.
From the sky and down below, it was a scene that few people had ever seen. Calls, tweets, and texts were a lifeline to the outside world for hundreds of students and teachers who were prohibited from leaving their buildings.
At the same time, many of them were concerned that someone they knew could have been shot.
“I could not stop shaking for awhile,” said UT Junior Melissa Thornton. “So I called my mom and dad to let them know I was okay.”
Aside from the gunman, no one was hurt.
Police spent much of Tuesday searching campus streets with dogs in order to eliminate the possibility that explosives were left. They also eliminated their search for a second suspect, who they say they no longer have.
Police identified the campus shooter as 19-year-old Colton Tooley. He was a sophomore at UT. He was a math major in the college of natural sciences. Tooley lived in South Austin with his parents.
If you have more information on the shooting you call toll free 1-866 657-9400.
If you need counseling or help coping with stress caused by the shooting call: 512-471-2255.
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