JSU Suspends Classes Following On-Campus Student Shooting

On Oct 16, 2023

TL/DR –

A student at Jackson State University, Jaylen Burns, died following a shooting on campus, leading to the suspension of classes. The incident occurred at the University Pointe Apartment Complex and is being investigated by campus police with assistance from the Jackson Police Department. Burns, an industrial technology major from Chicago, was a campus leader, an affiliate of the 100 Black Men of America, and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and his loss has been mourned by the university community.

Jackson State University Shooting Incident Claims the Life of a Student

Classes at Jackson State University were cancelled on Monday in response to a fatal campus shooting. According to a statement by Acting President Elayne Hayes-Anthony, student Jaylen Burns was rushed to a hospital after shots were reported at the University Pointe Apartment Complex, located on the Valley Street side of campus.

Burns, an industrial technology major from Chicago, was a respected campus leader. Jackson Police Department is aiding campus police in the investigation of the fatal shooting.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jaylen’s family, friends and all those who knew him,” Hayes-Anthony relayed to students. “He was an ambitious and bright young man, who believed in being of service as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and president of the C100 Chapter at JSU, an affiliate of the 100 Black Men of America. We grieve the tragic loss of his life due to this act of violence.”

Hayes-Anthony urged those needing grief support to reach out to the Latasha Norman Center for Counseling Services at 601-979-0374, or via email at latashanormancenter@jsums.edu.