Niagara University student Dead In off-campus Incidents; two arrested

Niagara University student Dead In off-campus Incidents; two arrested

A Niagara University student was shot and killed late Thursday night at an off-campus apartment. The victim is identified as 20-year-old Brandon Johnson of Rochester. He was shot at the University Court Apartments in an attempted robbery.

“It’s a very sad day here at Niagara University. It is very uncharacteristic for our campus community,” Tom Burns, spokesman for Niagara University.

Niagara Falls Police arrested and charged 17-year-old Gordon Jackson of the Falls with second-degree murder, attempted robbery and criminal use of a firearm. Police made a second arrest in the case Friday. 23-year-old Cordero Gibson of Niagara Falls is charged as an accomplice and also faces second degree murder chargesPolice said Gibson drove Jackson to the apartment building. Police said Jackson is not a student, but acquainted with others who live in the apartment .

The victim lived on the University campus, but was off-campus Thursday night with friends at the apartment complex located just about a mile from the school.

Falls Police said they believe the attempted robbery was a “random act”.

Initially the school sent out text-alert warnings students to stay indoors — but that was later lifted. Burns tells WBFO News the campus was not at risk and students remained safe.

“Whenever there is an incident like this that we think might involve an area where students are residing, we work very closely with local authorities, and in that we work with them they have a sure there’s no risk to the campus, faculty, staff or students,” said Burns.

Johnson was a junior at the University.

Niagara University president Father Joseph Levesque issued an updated statement in response to the murder. To our Niagara University parents:

By now, you probably are aware that Niagara University experienced a significant loss last night when Brandon Johnson, a junior accounting major at Niagara University, was shot and killed during an off-campus altercation.

The entire Niagara University community is deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this student. This type of incident is uncharacteristic of the Niagara University community, which makes this situation even more difficult.

We have been assured by the Niagara Falls Police Department that our campus was not at risk during the incident and continues to be safe at this time. During the events early this morning, we sent alerts to the campus community via text message, email and voice mail, informing them of the situation, and we also added additional security personnel.We are taking a number of steps to help our community deal with this tragedy. This afternoon, we held a prayer service for Brandon on campus. As well, the university’s offices of Counseling Services (716.286.8536) and Campus Ministry (716.286.8400) are making special efforts to be available to any students who feel they may need assistance during this difficult time.

If you believe that your student, or any others that you may know could be in need of assistance, please be sure to refer them to one of these offices for support. Regular campus events will be proceeding as scheduled this weekend, and we will continue to inform the campus community of any new information as needed.