Student Government presidential and vice presidential candidates commented on the shooting in Campustown that occurred early Sunday morning.

The candidates, Cody West and Cody Smith; Conner Tillo and Rachael Barnes; and write-ins Anthony Chavez and Emeline Hanscel, all expressed gratitude toward the Ames Police Department and highlighted the importance of working with leadership across campus to ensure the safety of all students and Cyclones.

West-Smith: 

“Over the weekend, Cody and I saw our friends and fellow students placed in the middle of an unnecessary and heinous act of violence. Students were forced to run, hide, and at least three people were injured. Those affected are in our thoughts and we wish them a timely recovery. We want to express our gratitude to the Ames Police Department for their swift and effective response to the matter. In Ames, we rarely see events like this occur, but as a community we must always be prepared to respond in times of crisis. There are a number of campus resources available to students who are struggling to cope with this tragedy. Campus safety should not be a political issue, and we are committed to ensuring the safety of all Iowa State students.”

Tillo-Barnes:

“We are deeply troubled by the heart-wrenching and unwarranted acts of violence that occurred this past weekend. There should never be a time when students fear for their lives as some did early Sunday morning. We must do everything we can to protect our Cyclone family and prevent this from occurring again. This includes ensuring that all students are fully aware and vigilant through leadership taking an active role with ISU Alerts and other methods of informing the student body. We are thankful for the those who protect our streets, and we are praying for the quick recovery of those injured in this act of evil.”

Chavez-Hanscel:

“Early Sunday morning, Feb. 19, 2017, Ames Police officers were on the scene of a fight when there were shots fired on Welch Avenue. As candidates running for student body president and vice president, we understand the importance of working closely with the City of Ames, Ames Police, Iowa State administration and Iowa State Police to make sure that students here are safe and feel safe in and around campus. We will work with administration and the city to make sure there is a way to alert students when a serious crime happens around campus, and not just on campus. Both Tony and Emeline come from large cities and understand large city crimes like this one. We are thankful that no one was seriously hurt and that Ames Police were on the scene to protect students and this city’s citizens. As candidates running for Student Government, we will make sure that public safety always comes first.”