AURORA, Colo. - University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus leadership expressed sadness about the tragic events on Friday morning that affected the campus and the wider community in profound ways.
Lilly Marks, vice president for health affairs for the University of Colorado and executive vice chancellor for the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, said "the community is deeply saddened by this tragedy and we extend our sympathies to the victims, family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who are affected.
"Our faculty physicians and staff at the University of Colorado Hospital, and our partner healthcare institutions, have worked tirelessly through the night and all today to care for victims and their families and we are grateful for their expertise and compassionate care," Marks said.
She noted that the alleged gunman was a grad student in the university's neurosciences program before he withdrew from the program in mid-June. "We are cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies in their investigation, and accordingly are unable at this time to share any information that could jeopardize the investigation. At the same time, we are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff," Marks said.
She said the campus took steps today to ensure the safety of faculty, staff and students. Police and dog teams swept the Anschutz Medical Campus' research buildings on Friday to ensure that the buildings are safe, Marks noted. "We will do more sweeps this weekend across campus. The campus will run its normal weekend operations."
The university also has offered alternative housing to students who lived in the suspect's apartment building and have been displaced, she said.
"Tragedies like this trigger many emotions and counselors are available and are meeting with faculty, staff and students," Marks said.
Marks said she would not be able to take questions, noting that the university is limited in what can be disclosed in the middle of an active police investigation.
"Once again we extend our deepest sympathies to the patients, families who lost their loved ones and our entire community in which we are a part," Marks said. "We grieve together."
For alerts and information related to Friday's tragic events, click on the university's alert page here.
(Photo: Lilly Marks, vice president for health affairs for the University of Colorado and executive vice chancellor for the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, speaks to the media during a briefing Friday evening at the Anschutz Medical Campus.)
