Search for Suspect Ongoing After Man Was Shot at SUNY Morrisville, Forcing Campus Lockdown

Authorities are searching for a suspect after a man was shot at the State University of New York at Morrisville, leading to a temporary campus lockdown.

Police responded to South Hall — one of SUNY Morrisville’s residential buildings — around 3:45 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, following reports of a shooting, according to the New York State Police (NYSP).

Shortly after, the university issued a lockdown and canceled all evening classes.
“Students in classes currently are required to remain in place. Please remain where you are until the lockdown has been lifted,” the school posted on X.

When officers arrived, they found a 20-year-old man — not enrolled at the university — with a gunshot wound to the neck. He was taken to Upstate University Hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported, and there are no indications of an ongoing threat to the campus, per the NYSP.

Later that day, SUNY Morrisville announced that the shelter-in-place order had been lifted for all areas except Onondaga and South Hall. Residents of those buildings were instructed to stay put as police continued their search and investigation overnight.

Students cleared from the affected halls were directed to the Recreation Center, where food would be provided, while others were told they could dine at the Seneca Dining Hall.

“It’s one of those things that you hear about that you think will never happen to you,” student Paige Novak told CNY Central, describing the sudden lockdown alert.

The NYSP is leading the investigation alongside campus police and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. A command post has been established, and multiple specialized units — including the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Uniformed Services, Special Operations Response Team, and K9 units — are assisting on site.

SUNY Morrisville reminded the campus community to remain alert and follow law enforcement instructions as officers continue their work.

New York Gov. Kathleen Hochul said on X that she had been briefed on the shooting and is monitoring developments.