Professor killed in Delta State University shooting, gunman at large

A person was killed Monday atDelta State Universitywhen a gunman opened fire on campus, the school said in a tweet.

The university sent out a breaking news alert to students at 11:44 a.m. saying the gunman was at large and that the shooting happenednear Jobe Hall.

The victim was American history professorEthan Schmidt, who was gunned down in his office, according to published reports. He was in his 50s and wasshot twice, CBS reported.

Just before 12:30 p.m., the university said on Twitter that it had “confirmed one fatality. Campus remains under lockdown. Please stay inside and away from windows.”

One student who was under lockdown tweeted at 1 p.m.,“Keep #dsu in your prayers. We are still on lockdown, scared for our lives. Any updates from the outside would be greatly appreciated.”

As the campus remained on lockdown as of 2:30 p.m., the school also tweeted that classes had been canceled for the reminder of the day and evening. There was reportedly no immediately description of a suspect.

The campus is located in Cleveland, Mississippi and has a student body of more than 4,000, according to its website. Jobe Hall is the History and Theatre building on the east side of campus.

Stay with Metro as this story develops.