The fatal shooting of a Towson University student who was driving near campus has heightened concerns about safety in the areas surrounding campus.
Students say they generally feel secure on campus, but their attitudes change once they walk or drive into surrounding areas.
“I feel safe on campus, but once I step off campus, the vibe shifts,” said Heidi Bronson, who graduated this year. “I feel fine off campus during the day, but at night I feel like I need someone with me.”
The latest high-profile crime took place last week, when 22-year-old Nasir Majied, a Towson student was shot as he drove north on York Road before entering the main Towson rotary, a bustling commercial area within blocks of the campus.
Police said another motorist shot at Majied and killed him, then continued north on York Road. No suspect has been arrested yet. A homicide investigation is ongoing, according to the Baltimore County Government.
Bronson said she has never personally experienced a crime on or off campus and praised Towson University police officers for maintaining a safe campus environment.
“On campus is pretty safe, and I love all the Towson campus police officers,” she said. “But it’s become so normalized off campus that we’re like, ‘Oh, it’s just another Tuesday around here.’”
“What happened was tragic,” she said. “And I don’t know what we need to do to make Uptown safer.”
Police arrived less than two minutes after the shooting was reported and immediately began providing aid to Majied. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
“Baltimore County Homicide detectives are actively reviewing evidence and pursuing leads as they work to identify and locate the suspect in the shooting that occurred on Friday, June 5. While the motive remains under investigation, road rage has not been ruled out,” said a spokesperson for the Baltimore County Police. “Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact detectives at 410-887-4636.”
Towson University president Dr. Mark Ginsberg said in a statement that the University “is working to support Nasir’s family and friends, while our Office of Public Safety serves as a point of contact in support of the Baltimore County Police Department’s investigation.”
Ginsberg also said that support is available for students free of charge through the Towson University Counseling Center.
According to a post from the Towson University Catholic Campus Ministry, a memorial mass will be held for Majied on Tuesday, June 9, at the Newman Center Chapel.
