St. Thomas Student Accidentally Shot In Residence Hall

SAINT PAUL, MN — Officials at the University of St. Thomas say a student underwent surgery after suffering an injury in an accidental discharge of a firearm on campus Friday. The student is recovering and stable. Out of respect for the student, school officials are not releasing the name, "but ask all in our St. Thomas community to keep the student in our thoughts and prayers."

According to the university, the accidental discharge of a firearm occurred in one of the residence halls Friday evening. "This was NOT an act of violence," the school said in a statement.

When the weapon accidentally discharged, it fired through a wall and grazed another student who was not visible to those with the firearm, school officials say. The student with a surface injury was transported to the hospital.

The university said all parties involved were St. Thomas students, and there is no threat to the public. Weapons are not allowed in the school's residence halls, according to a news release.

The incident is under active investigation by the Saint Paul police. "We appreciate the cooperation of students, the rapid response of our Public Safety officers and the assistance of St. Paul Police Dept.," the university said.

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