SLU Police respond to shooting at a high school graduation

Published 12:11 pm Friday, May 20, 2022

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On Thursday, May 19, 2022, Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department responded to a report of shots fired at the University Center during the Hammond High School Graduation. Within minutes, officers assigned to the event, as well as officers working in the area, were on scene and had a suspect in custody and were rendering aid to the injured. We can confirm that there were three victims shot and a fourth victim who received injuries while trying to get to safety. Suspect Trent Thomas, 20, of Hammond, has been booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on charges of Attempted Second Degree Murder (3 counts); Obstruction of Justice; Aggravated Criminal Damage to Property; Possession of a Firearm in Firearm Free Zone; and Illegal Discharge of a Weapon. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact our agency (985-549-2222; police@southeastern.edu).
While we have four remaining high school graduations this weekend at the University Center for our Livingston Parish Schools, Chief Beckner would like to reiterate that additional safety measures will be taken to ensure the safety of our guests on campus. Some changes have been made to the entrance and screening processes. We ask attendees to leave any bags, purses, etc. in your vehicles. The only items to be brought into the University Center should be phones and cameras. Police officers are assigned to each graduation and will be patrolling both the inside and outside areas of the venue. Please ensure all friends and family who plan to attend are aware of these procedures.