USC Campus Shut Down After Halloween Shooting

Argument Turns Violent While Waiting In Line Outside Party

As they stood in line to get into a costumed Halloween party for students at the University of Southern California, several men got into a fight that escalated to a shootout, police told press in a statement on November 1^st. Although no students of the university were harmed, police say, four bystanders were wounded in the incident, with one in critical condition.

According to initial reports, the attack occurred on Halloween night, at around 11:45 PM. A group of students had planned a large gathering at the Ronald Tutor Campus Center, with flyers announcing the event claiming that student IDs would be required for admittance. USC students would be allowed in for free, students from elsewhere would be asked to pay an entrance fee. The flyers also made sure to specify that the event would be covered by campus security and off-duty police as a safety measure.

Victim Shot Seven Times In Attack

Officers say that, shortly before the incident took place, a long line had formed outside the building for access into to the event, advertised as the "Freak or Geek" party. While waiting in line, several undergraduates told reporters, they watched multiple locals be turned away, lacking the student credentials necessary for admittance. Despite this, investigators believe that a large number of non-students were waiting in line, hoping to be allowed inside.

Authorities say they have identified the victim in critical condition as one such local. A former high school football star, and current attendee at a Los Angeles community college hoping to transfer to a university, the young man is believed to have gotten into an argument with another person while waiting in the queue. Witnesses say the fight escalated until the suspect drew a handgun and opened fire, shooting the victim at least seven times.

After the assault, the suspect was grabbed by campus police officers while attempting to flee. A handgun was found near the scene of the shooting and is being tested to see if it was the weapon allegedly used by the suspect. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital, where medical personnel say he is currently in serious but stable condition. Three others were treated for minor injuries at the scene.

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