UNC Student Congress questions Alert Carolina

Student Congress will hold an emergency meeting Friday to call for more answers from police about Tuesday’s triple homicide at an off-campus condominium complex.

“It was a horrifying crime that was committed,” said Peter McClelland, speaker pro tempore for Student Congress. “That’s not something we’re comfortable just waiting around on a regular schedule to talk about.”

McClelland said the group will discuss two resolutions during the meeting: the first is to send official condolences to the families of the victims on behalf of the student body, and the second to demand answers.

He said the resolution will call for answers to questions regarding the timeliness and effectiveness of the Alert Carolina system in notifying students, the motivation for the triple homicide and the timeliness of the Chapel Hill Police Department’s response.

McClelland said the resolution will also raise questions about the delay of the Alert Carolina system in sending out emails to students notifying them of the shooting and failure of the system to send text messages.

“That is something we definitely need concrete answers on as soon as possible,” McClelland said. “This shooting happened very close to campus, and we need to be getting the alerts that we signed up for in a timely manner.”

McClelland said that, as the branch of student government with the most elected officials, Student Congress has a unique role in driving these conversations.

Kathryn Walker, a candidate for student body president, echoed McClelland’s sentiments that elected campus leaders can play an important part during times of tragedy.

“It’s important to be the resources for students ... and help students to find clarity and peace in what has happened,” she said.

Walker said she had already decided to suspend campaigning until Friday but that the hiatus bears additional importance in light of Tuesday’s shooting.

Houston Summers, another candidate for student body president, said he won’t begin campaigning again until Sunday out of respect.

“There are no words to express the devastation that comes from the tragedy of such hateful acts of violence,” Summers said in a statement on Wednesday. “I am deeply saddened and angered by the events of last night. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their close friends and family.”

Walker said she hopes the campaign hiatus gives students time to grieve.

In a statement released Wednesday, Student Body President Andrew Powell highlighted resources available to students affected by the incident, including Counseling and Psychological Services.

“Please reach out to me if I can provide support in anyway, and know that more resources are available for all students,” Powell said.

Powell also called for a full investigation into the homicides to be completed by the district attorney, U.S. attorney and other prosecutors.

“Our community will not tolerate violence, hatred or bigotry of any form,” he said.

McClelland said though Student Congress is unique in its number of elected officials, all branches of student government can contribute to the campus-wide conversation following Tuesday night’s shooting.

“We, along with the (executive) branch, along with graduate and professional students,” McClelland said. “We all have a role to play.”

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