Memorial Service Set for Officers Killed in Campus Shooting

Society

Memorial Service Set for Officers Killed in Campus Shooting

February 9, 2022

Virginia College Lockdown-Officers Killed

Over a dozen law enforcement agencies form a police escort of the bodies of Bridgewater Police Officer John E. Painter and Bridgewater Safety Officer J.J. Jefferson from Virginia Department of Forensic Science, Western Office Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, in Roanoke, Va.. (Scott P. Yates/The Roanoke Times via AP)

RICHMOND, Va — Hundreds of police officers are expected to attend a memorial service Wednesday for two officers who were fatally shot last week when they responded to reports of a suspicious man on the campus of a private college in Virginia.

Bridgewater College campus police officer John Painter and campus safety officer J.J. Jefferson were killed on Feb. 1 when a gunman opened fire on them after a brief interaction. School president David W. Bushman said the two officers were close friends and known on campus as “the dynamic duo.”

Alexander Wyatt Campbell, a 27-year-old former student at the college, has been charged with murder. Authorities have not discussed any motive for the killings. During Campbell’s court arraignment last week, his attorney asked that he be given a mental health evaluation.

From left, Attorney General Jason Miyares, Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears and Gov. Glenn Youngkiin hold candles as they pray during a vigil Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, at Monroe Park, in Richmond, Va., for two campus officers shot and killed last week at Bridgewater College. (James H. Wallace/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)

The service is expected to draw members of the public and law enforcement officers from around the region. A spokesperson for Gov. Glenn Youngkin said he plans to attend. Corinne Geller, a spokesperson for Virginia State Police, said between 1,500 and 2,000 people are expected.

The service will be held at Atlantic Union Bank Center on the James Madison University campus in Harrisonburg.

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