By Antonio Planas, Jonathan Dienst and Tim Stelloh -
NBC News
A suspected attacker is in custody after a police officer and a security guard were shot and killed at a private liberal arts college in Virginia on Tuesday, authorities said.
In an email to students, faculty and staff, Bridgewater College President David Bushman identified the victims as Police Officer John Painter and Security Officer JJ Jefferson.
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“These officers were close friends, known to many of us as the 'dynamic duo,'” Bushman said.
“John was JJ's best man at her wedding this year.
They were loved by students, faculty, and staff.
I hurt for their families and loved ones, as I know it hurts all of us."
"This is a sad and dark day for Bridgewater College," he
added.
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A shelter-in-place alert was issued for the entire school, about 140 miles west of Washington, DC, at 1:20 p.m. after "two officers were shot and the armed suspect fled the scene." Bridgewater College spokesman Logan C. Bogert said earlier.
The school was given the go-ahead to reopen about three hours later
.
The attacker, a man who has not been identified, was taken into custody at 1:55 p.m. after a "mass search," Bogert and the Virginia State Police said.
Nine different agencies responded, including the FBI, Virginia State Police and campus police.
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In a series of Twitter posts, Bridgewater College issued the warning shortly before 1:30 p.m.
“Reports of an active attacker on campus.
Shelter in place.”
A minute later, the school tweeted: "This is not a drill."
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Shortly after 2 pm the university said one person was in custody, but continued to urge people to shelter in place.
Bridgewater College said the closure ended at 4:33 p.m.
“This is a notification that there is no danger in sight.
More information will come via campus email,” the school tweeted.
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Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin said he had been briefed on the situation.
WAVY, an NBC affiliate in Portsmouth, Virginia, reports that Bridgwater has about 1,800 undergraduate students enrolled.