October 10, 2017

On the evening of Oct. 9, a Texas Tech police officer was mortally wounded. The officer was identified as Floyd East Jr. in a press conference today.

Officer Floyd East Jr., 48, began his career with the Texas Tech Police Department on December 1, 2014 as a guard at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso, Texas. While working as a guard, Officer East attended the El Paso Community College Law Enforcement Academy to obtain his Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Basic Peace Officer license. He subsequently graduated from the Police Academy on June 22, 2016. He transferred to the Texas Tech Police Department Lubbock campus on May 1, 2017 as a police officer, completing his Field Training Officer Program on August 31, 2017.

Officer East is survived by his wife, Carmen, and his two daughters, Ana and Monica.

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October 9, 2017

University Statement

Earlier this evening, a Texas Tech Police Department officer was shot and killed.

The suspect, Hollis Daniels, has been apprehended and taken into custody.

Texas Tech Police made a student welfare check late this afternoon. Upon entering the suspect's room, officers found evidence of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Officers brought the suspect to the police station for standard debriefing.

"During this time, the suspect pulled a gun and mortally shot an officer," Texas Tech Police Department Chief Kyle Bonath said. "The suspect fled on foot and later apprehended by TTPD near the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum."

"The family of the officer is in the thoughts and prayers of the Texas Tech community," Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec said. "I want to express my deep appreciation to the Texas Tech Police Department, Lubbock Police Department, Lubbock Sheriff's Office, and other state and federal law enforcement officials for their response."

Texas Tech University campus lock down has been lifted. Classes will resume as scheduled tomorrow, Oct. 10.

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October 10, 2017

Letter from the President 

Fellow Red Raiders,

Please join me in extending our prayers and heartfelt condolences to the family of one of our Texas Tech police officers who was mortally wounded Monday evening. We will provide more information once all members of the family are notified. I know that the Texas Tech community will respond with support for the family and one another.

We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the Texas Tech Police Department, Lubbock Police Department, Lubbock County Sheriff's Office, and other local, state and federal agencies for their response during this tragic event.

Counseling resources are available to university employees through the Employee Assistance Program and to students:

• Counseling: For any student seeking individual or group crisis counseling, the Student Counseling Center is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and by calling (806) 742-3674.
  
  Walk-in hours area available Monday-Friday, 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
  24-hour mental health crisis support is available by calling (806) 742-5555.
  
  
• Dean of Students: Staff in the Office of the Dean of Students are available to assist any student experiencing distress or in need of assistance. A Dean of Students staff member is available by calling (806) 742-2984.

I know the Red Raider community will join together to support each other during this tragic time.

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October 10, 2017

Letter from the Chancellor

Colleagues and Supporters:

Some of you may have watched events unfold last night while others woke to the tragic news at Texas Tech University. Words can't express how saddened we are by the loss of one of our police officers, and I ask that you keep the fallen officer's family and the entire Texas Tech Police Department in your thoughts and prayers.

In the face of this incident, I'm proud of the leadership of President Schovanec and the response of the Texas Tech University team. Their prompt notification protocols worked as planned; kept our students, faculty and staff safe; and their families informed with constant communication. I also would like to thank Governor Greg Abbott, Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope and all of the law enforcement professionals from across the area who supported our campus during this time of need.

Many of you are asking how you can help. More details will be available regarding a memorial service and how to support the officer's family. In the meantime, I ask that you thank our public servants who put themselves in harm's way and protect us every day. I also ask that you help assure all of our students that no matter what they are going through, their safety and wellbeing is our top priority. We have professionals on our campuses to help should you need to talk with someone. Please don't hesitate to seek this support.

We pride ourselves on being a family in the Texas Tech University System. I know we will all be there to support our students, faculty and staff during this difficult time.

Yours very truly,

Robert Duncan
Chancellor

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Letter from the Provost

Texas Tech University Faculty and Staff,

During this difficult time, there will likely be students, staff, and faculty who may need to talk with someone about their concerns and feelings following the tragic event of October 9. Counselors from the Student Counseling Center, trained staff from across campus, and staff from the Office of the Dean of Students stand ready to assist students in need of support services. Support clinics have been set up in the following locations for October 11th, 2017, until 5:00 p.m.

• Student Wellness Center – walk-in hours at the Student Counseling Center, Monday through Friday, 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. and a drop-in support group on Tuesday and Wednesday from 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. located at the Student Wellness Center, Room 100.
  
  
• Student Union Building – a drop-in support group on Tuesday and Wednesday until 5:00 p.m. in the Mesa Room located on the second floor of the Student Union Building.

In addition, a memorial space has been located inside the Student Union Building near the entrance of the SUB by the Copy Mail Office. A message board and space has been provided for students, staff, and faculty to leave messages of condolence.

We ask faculty members that should they identify a student in distress or in crisis to refer students to either of the above support locations or to the Office of the Dean of Students, (806) 742-2984. We also ask our faculty to work with students in crisis or distress to make-up any missed class periods or missed academic work. There are many students on campus affected by this event, and they may need time to process their thoughts and feelings. Counseling resources also are available to any university employee through the Employee Assistance Program.

The TLPDC has suggested some information to assist faculty in teaching during a time of crisis, available here.

In difficult times, it is the strength of the campus community and love and support for one another that will help us heal. Again, the academic community would like to express our gratitude to the Texas Tech Police Department, as well as the Lubbock Police Department, the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office, and the numerous other law enforcement agencies who responded to this tragic and dangerous situation on our campus.

Thank you in advance for your efforts to support our students, staff, and faculty.

Sincerely,

Michael Galyean
Provost