Chapel Hill, NC — As the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill remains under lockdown following reports of an active shooter, more details are emerging about the suspected shooter, Tailei Qi. Here’s what you need to know about him.
Personal Details
• Age: 34
• Date of Birth: November 1988
• Residences: An apartment on the 100 block of Shadowood Drive in Chapel Hill, NC, and Baton Rouge, LA.
Academic Background
Tailei Qi is a Graduate Research Assistant and PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering at the Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.
The Incident
Earlier today, police received reports of an active shooter on the UNC Chapel Hill campus. Preliminary reports indicated that multiple shots had been fired, resulting in at least three injuries. The exact number of victims is still unconfirmed. The entire campus was placed under a full lockdown in response to the situation. Authorities later identified Tailei Qi as the suspected shooter.
UNC Chapel Hill is a prestigious educational institution founded in 1789, making it one of the oldest public universities in the United States. The university is a cornerstone of higher education in North Carolina and is home to a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Authorities released a photo of Qi, describing him as a “person of interest in today’s armed and dangerous person situation.” UNC police advised anyone who sees Qi to “keep your distance, put your safety first and call 911.”
History: Virginia Tech Shooting
The last major shooting incident involving an Asian individual in the U.S. was the Virginia Tech massacre in 2007. The shooter, Seung-Hui Cho, was a 23-year-old South Korean student who killed 32 people and wounded 17 others before taking his own life. The incident remains one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history and led to significant changes in gun control and campus security measures.
The campus remains on lockdown as law enforcement agencies continue their search for Qi. An emergency alert has been issued, warning students and staff that an armed and dangerous individual is on or near the campus. Many people are currently sheltering in place, following the university’s emergency protocols.
Authorities are urging anyone who sees Tailei Qi to maintain a safe distance and immediately contact 911. The situation is fluid, and law enforcement agencies are working diligently to secure the campus and ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as they come in.