Campus & Community

Violent Incident on University Avenue

Sunday, October 17, 2021, By News Staff

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Families:

A short time ago, we learned of a violent incident that occurred on Friday night. This incident, which was captured on cell phone video and shared across social media, happened on University Avenue near the Marshall Street intersection. The video posted on social media shows a group of approximately five individuals involved in what appears to be a physical assault on an individual who can be seen, at times lying on the ground. It also shows subsequent interactions between Syracuse Police (the responding law enforcement agency) and others who appear to have witnessed all or part of the incident.

The violence in the video is appalling and deeply disturbing and cannot be tolerated in our community. At this time, we do not know the identity of any of the individuals pictured and thus cannot say if they are affiliated with Syracuse University. Our Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reviewing any potential security camera footage in the area and social media video and photos to seek additional evidence. If a student is found to have been involved in this assault, they will face immediate repercussions, including interim suspension, referral to Community Standards for Code of Conduct violations and referral to Syracuse Police.

If you know the identity of or recognize any of the perpetrators, we urge you to come forward. There are several avenues for reporting, including anonymously. You can:

  • Contact DPS at 315.443.2224.
  • Submit an anonymous tip through the Silent Witness tool or the Rave Guardian mobile app.
  • Report what you witnessed to Syracuse Police at 315.442.5200.
  • Notify the Office of the Dean of Students at 315.443.4357 or dos@syr.edu.

We understand the deep concern this violence engenders in our community, especially among those already feeling marginalized. We will continue to investigate this matter and share any new information that becomes available to us.

Sincerely,

Bobby Maldonado
Chief, Department of Public Safety

Allen W. Groves
Senior Vice President for the Student Experience