By Benjamin Rothstein

DOVER — Delaware State University president Dr. Tony Allen condemned  the shooting that took place on the university’s campus early Sunday that resulted in the death of an 18-year-old Wilmington woman, identified by police as Camay Mitchell DeSilva.

“First, let me say that whoever believes that settling disagreements of any kind should be met with physical violence — including the threat of and eventual use of firearms — is simply not welcomed here,” wrote Dr. Allen in a statement released Sunday evening.

“Delaware State University is an institution of significant historical and contemporary importance to our community and our country. It is not a place to harbor those who have no respect for these hallowed, sacred grounds.”

According to DSU Police superintendent and vice president of student affairs James T. Overton, the DSU Police Department received a phone call reporting a shooting just outside of the north end of the underpass outside of Warren Franklin Residential Hall at 1:40 a.m.

Upon their arrival, police say they found Ms. DeSilva with a gunshot wound in her upper body. She was taken to Bayhealth’s Kent Campus in Dover and passed away from her injuries. 

The suspect(s) were last seen fleeing in the direction of College Road.

In his statement, Dr. Allen lamented the prevalence of gun violence on college campuses.

“It does not make it acceptable, and it will never be rationalized away, minimized or normalized here. Let us make sure we are collectively resolute on this point,” wrote Dr. Allen. 

He said everyone is responsible for holding one another accountable, soliciting information from any student, staff, or faculty with information on the shooting. Dr. Allen reassured students and families that the university is committed to securing a safe campus environment, but it will take the cooperation of everyone. 

Ms. DeSilva was not a student at Delaware State University, according to police, which had not provided a description of a suspect as of Monday.

The incident is under investigation by the DSU and Dover police departments. 

Dr. Allen said classes were canceled Monday, as well as offering both mental health and academic help to any student who needs it available in the Tubman Laws Hall housing office.

The school will also hold a forum today to give updates to the community and remember Ms. DeSilva’s life. A time and place were unknown Monday.

The Texas-based Uvalde Association has announced that it will form patrols for the campus, as well as offering $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest.

“At Delaware State University, we will always strive to fulfill our greatest sense of purpose and calling despite the lowest forms of behavior that may be visited upon us. As a family, we are one. And that will never change,” wrote Dr. Allen.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at 302-736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com; a cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.