Lead
A 21-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after a campus safety officer was shot with a crossbow at the University of Surrey, according to Surrey Police. The suspect, identified as Almunthir Daqamah, a Saudi national and former student at the university, faces additional charges of possession of an offensive weapon, two counts of possession of a bladed article, and possession of class B drugs.
The victim, a member of the university's campus safety team in his 50s, is in stable condition in hospital, reports say. Officers were called to Manor Park student village in Guildford at around 10am on Thursday following reports of a serious assault, as detailed in one news report. The university campus remained open, but a significant security presence was in place.
Coverage Comparison
Two reports from The Guardian provide consistent details about the incident. The initial report focused on the arrest, while a later update confirmed the charges and identified the suspect. Both sources agree on the key facts: the victim's role, the suspect's age and nationality, and the location of the incident. The later report includes additional details about the charges, which were not mentioned in the initial arrest report.
The police have stated that the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related, and they are not looking for anyone else in connection with it, according to both reports.
Key Claims
- A former University of Surrey student was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, as reported by multiple sources.
- The victim, a member of the university's campus safety team in his 50s, was shot with a crossbow.
- The suspect is a 21-year-old from Saudi Arabia, identified as Almunthir Daqamah in the charge report.
- The incident occurred at Manor Park student village, according to one report.
- The suspect has been charged with attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon, two counts of possession of a bladed article, and possession of class B drugs, as reported by one outlet.
- The police are not treating the incident as terrorism-related, according to multiple sources.
- The victim is in a stable condition in hospital, as confirmed by police and university statements.
- The suspect has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Guildford Magistrates Court on Friday, per one report.
Perspectives
The University of Surrey expressed relief that the colleague is in stable condition and wished him a full and speedy recovery, according to a spokesperson quoted in one report. Surrey Police Chief Superintendent Jon Groenen acknowledged the concern within the community and urged the public to refrain from speculating online to preserve the integrity of the investigation, as quoted in both reports. A student described the campus safety officer as "very bubbly and smiley" and said students were "very shaken" by the incident, noting it was "terrifying" that it happened so close to campus. These perspectives highlight the impact on the university community and the ongoing police response.