Dear Campus Community,
In the midst of this deeply troubled and disturbing time in Virginia, we woke up this morning to the terrible news that a Virginia State Police Trooper, Lucas Dowell, has died after being shot last night in the midst of executing a search warrant on Route 45 just north of Farmville in Cumberland County. Trooper Dowell was assisting the Piedmont Regional Drug and Gang Task Force last night, vital work that keeps our local community and the University safe.
This is a tragedy for all of the Farmville community and the Commonwealth, and a grievous one for the law enforcement community. Our own campus police work closely alongside the other members of this task force, and our thoughts are with them on this tragic day.
Please say a special word of thanks and condolence to officers you may see today and in the days ahead, as we hold Trooper Dowell and his loved ones in our hearts.
President Reveley