Classes were canceled Monday at Jackson State University after a student was shot and killed Sunday evening at the University Pointe Apartment Complex.
According to the university, Jaylen Burns, who was an industrial technology major from Chicago, was taken to a hospital from campus after the shooting.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jaylen’s family, friends, and all those who knew him,” the university said in a statement. “He was an ambitious and bright young man, who believed in being of service as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and president of the C100 Chapter at JSU, an affiliate of the 100 Black Men of America. We grieve the tragic loss of his life due to this senseless act of violence.”
Jackson Police Department is assisting campus police in the investigation to apprehend the person of interest. According to Jackson, Mississippi ABC affiliate WAPT, officers worked throughout the night and Monday morning scouring the apartment complex looking for scenes.
The university said that additional security has been deployed to ensure the safety of the campus community and urged everyone to carry their JSU Identification at all times.
President Elayne Hayes-Anthony encouraged faculty, staff, and students in need of grief support to contact the Latasha Norman Center for Counseling Services at 601-979-0374 or email latashanormancenter@jsums.edu.
