Durham, N.C. – Parents and students of North Carolina Central University (NCCU) are demanding clearer communication after a shooting occurred just off campus Sunday night. A driver fired multiple shots from a vehicle passing the intersection of Concord and Dupree Streets, injuring a man and a woman. Both victims are currently receiving medical care.
University’s decision on the alert
The university’s spokesperson said that officers on the scene reported no evidence of a serious or ongoing danger to students or staff on campus. “Based on the circumstances known at the time, an emergency notification was not warranted,” the statement read. NCCU uses the RAVE Mobility System to distribute alerts, and the school encourages anyone in the community to sign up for texts, voice messages, and emails.
Parents voice concerns
Nikida McDaniel, mother of a freshman, learned of the shooting through a private Facebook group for NCCU parents. “They just said, ‘It was a shooting on campus. Check on your people,'” McDaniel said. “It was devastating to hear. Folks on the post said their student had been shot and were waiting for details.” The lack of an official alert left many families scrambling for reliable information.
Students feel safer on campus than off it
WRAL spoke with three students on Wednesday. All three said they feel more secure within the university’s walls than in the surrounding neighborhoods. “We have a strong campus police presence and clear protocols,” one student noted. “Off‑campus incidents are largely a Durham Police responsibility, and the university’s focus is on keeping us safe here.”
University’s safety protocol explained
When asked about its process for notifying the community of on‑ and off‑campus incidents, the university outlined several criteria. An alert is issued when there is a credible, immediate threat to students or staff. For incidents that occur off campus, the university coordinates with Durham Police, which has primary jurisdiction. The statement emphasized that the decision not to send an alert was made after officers confirmed the situation did not pose a continuing threat.
What parents and students can do
Parents are urged to register for the RAVE Mobility System to receive any future notifications. The university also encourages students to stay informed through official channels and to report any suspicious activity to campus security or Durham Police.
Looking ahead
While the university’s response aligns with standard emergency‑management practices, the incident underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue between NCCU, Durham law enforcement, and the campus community. As the two injured students continue to recover, many hope that clearer communication protocols will be established to prevent confusion in future incidents.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
