Office of the President

Statement from President Coley on September 22 Off-Campus Shooting Incident

Dear Campus Community,  

On Saturday, we informed the campus that Cal Poly Pomona students were present at a shooting incident that occurred at an off-campus party in the City of Pomona on the evening of September 22. At that time, we were aware that among the six known victims, several of our students were being treated for injuries, which fortunately were not life-threatening.

While the motive for the shooting remains unclear, investigators reported that multiple shots were fired into the crowd, and several victims suffered gunshot wounds. While I am relieved that our students who were injured are safe and recovering, an individual not affiliated with Cal Poly Pomona was killed. I know you all join me in grieving the needless loss of a young life.  

The persistence of senseless gun violence in our country impacts our campus community, wherever shootings occur. That such an incident happened in our backyard this weekend and affected so many in our local community is even more heartbreaking.  

These support resources were provided in Saturday’s campus message – but I urge you to take advantage of them. The strength of our Bronco family is demonstrated in the ways that we seek and provide help in challenging times. Students in need of support are encouraged to access the following resources:   

  Faculty and Staff members in need may seek out resources from CPP MyLifeMatters by Empathia.  

When such incidents occur, I am aware of the heightened sense of fear that impacts the wellbeing of our entire community. We must come together to offer one another support and comfort as we seek to heal from this tragedy.   

Yours,

Soraya M. Coley, Ph.D.
President