The University of Virginia has agreed to a $9 million settlement in connection with a tragic campus shooting that claimed the lives of three football players and left two students injured. The settlement was announced by a lawyer representing some of the victims and their families.
While the settlement marks a significant step towards addressing the aftermath of the shooting, some families are calling for the immediate release of an independent probe conducted last year. The probe focused on the university's handling of the alleged shooter and included recommendations for enhancing campus safety measures.
According to the attorney representing the families, the university should have taken action to remove the alleged shooter from campus prior to the attack, citing concerning behavior that should have raised red flags.
The $9 million settlement includes $2 million each for the families of the three students who lost their lives in the shooting, as well as $3 million for the two students who were wounded. The settlement was reached outside of court and has been approved by a judge in Albemarle County Circuit Court.
University officials had previously delayed the release of the probe's findings out of concern that it could impact the alleged shooter's trial. However, families of the victims are urging for the report to be made public to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The shooting, carried out by a UVA student and former football team member, occurred on campus following a field trip. The incident led to a 12-hour lockdown of the campus until the suspect was apprehended. The trial for the alleged shooter is scheduled for January.
Following the settlement announcement, university leaders expressed their condolences for the lives lost and emphasized the impact the students had on the UVA community. The families of the victims continue to seek answers and advocate for improved safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
