William & Mary Chief of Police Don Butler sent the following message to the campus community on March 4, 2024. – Ed.
Dear William & Mary Community,
William & Mary Police have made an arrest on two misdemeanor counts in relation to the unattended pistol that was found at the Daily Grind on campus Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. The charges included one count of reckless handling of a firearm and one count of carrying a concealed weapon. Additional charges may be forthcoming. The individual is banned from campus.
This incident is an example of the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings and reaching out to authorities when something seems out of the ordinary or of concern. The quick action of the student who reported this was critical to the safe outcome.
Don Butler
Campus Safety Message
William & Mary Chief of Police Don Butler sent the following message to the campus community on Feb. 28, 2024. – Ed.
Dear William & Mary Community,
Earlier today, William & Mary Police recovered an unattended weapon (pistol) from a restroom in the Daily Grind on campus. Thankfully, no one was injured and the weapon was not used.
We are grateful to the student who reported this, and an investigation is underway. Anyone with information is asked to contact William & Mary Police at 757.221.4596.
As a reminder, William & Mary adopted as its weapons policy Virginia regulations (8VAC115-30-20) regarding the possession of weapons on campus, in line with Code of Virginia §18.2-308A and The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of the 208th Congress of the United States (2004). It is against university policy for any member of our campus community (staff, faculty or students) — other than law enforcement — to possess a weapon on campus. The regulation states, “Possession, storing, or carrying of any weapon by any person is prohibited on college property, whether in any college building; while attending an athletic, academic, social, recreational, or educational event; or on vehicles or vessels that are college property. This prohibition also applies to all events or activities on college property where people congregate in any public or outdoor areas.”
Don Butler
Virginia regulation language and link were updated – Ed.