Violent Attack on UW-Madison Student Prompts Safety Measures
September 3, 2021
In a distressing incident that took place early Sunday morning, a violent and severe attack occurred off-campus near West Wilson and Bedford Street in downtown Madison. The victim of this unfortunate incident is a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison).
The safety and well-being of the student are of utmost concern, with the university offering support and keeping the victim and their family in their thoughts. At this time, the suspect or suspects involved are still at large, leading the City of Madison Police Department to increase patrols and visibility in the area. They are also urging the community to remain vigilant and to prioritize their safety and awareness of their surroundings.
The City of Madison Police Department, in close collaboration with University Police (UWPD), is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the matter. The Dean of Students Office and Mental Health Services are working together to provide necessary support to the affected students.
Anyone with information regarding the case or possessing security camera footage from the area between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. is requested to contact the City of Madison Police Department at (608) 255-2345.
To ensure personal safety, the university advises students and staff to take precautions. While the victim is never at fault, individuals can still play a role in protecting themselves. One such measure is downloading the new BadgerSAFE app, which offers safety resources and alerts for both on and off-campus incidents within the immediate campus area. The app can be found by searching for “BadgerSAFE” in the app store of your mobile device.
Additionally, after-hours SAFEwalk is available by calling or texting (608) 262-5000.
For students in need of support and community resources, University Health Services’ crisis line is available 24/7 at 608-265-5600 (option 9). Employees can seek support through the Employee Assistance Office.
In case of an emergency or to report an incident to law enforcement, individuals can reach out to UWPD at 608-264-2677. For immediate emergencies, please dial 911. Both UWPD and the City of Madison Police Department will continue to provide updates on the case as more information becomes available.
Chief Kristen Roman of the University of Wisconsin Police Department and Christina Olstad, Dean of Students, expressed their commitment to the safety and well-being of the campus community. They urged everyone to remain vigilant and extend support to one another during this challenging time.
The university community stands in solidarity with the victim and their family, hoping for a swift resolution to this unfortunate incident.