The Illinois State University Police Department (ISUPD) is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a person of interest connected to a shots-fired incident that took place at the Bone Student Center on the evening of Sunday, April 27, 2025.
At approximately 8:45 p.m., ISUPD officers responded to multiple reports of gunshots fired inside the Bone Student Center, a central hub for student activities and events on campus. Upon arrival, officers secured the scene and immediately began an investigation. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported at this time; however, the situation caused significant alarm among students, faculty, and visitors present in the building.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with individuals seeking shelter in nearby rooms and exiting the building hastily. ISUPD, along with support from the Normal Police Department and McLean County Sheriff’s Office, quickly established a perimeter and conducted a thorough search of the facility.
Preliminary investigations, including surveillance footage review and eyewitness interviews, have led ISUPD to identify a person of interest. Officials released several images captured by security cameras showing an individual believed to be involved or possessing critical information about the incident. The person of interest is described as a male, approximately 18–22 years old, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, dark jeans, and white sneakers at the time of the incident.
“We are fortunate that no one was physically harmed last night, but incidents like this deeply affect our sense of safety and security on campus,” said ISU Police Chief Aaron Woodard during a press briefing on Monday morning. “We are committed to a thorough investigation and holding accountable anyone responsible for jeopardizing the safety of our university community. We are asking anyone who recognizes the individual in the released photos or who has any information about the incident to come forward immediately.”
ISUPD is urging anyone who was in or around the Bone Student Center between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on April 27 to review any photos, videos, or social media content that might assist investigators. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the ISU Police Tip Line at (309) 438-8631 or via email at police@ilstu.edu. Additionally, students and faculty are reminded that counseling services are available for anyone impacted by the event through the Student Counseling Services office.
University officials emphasized that the campus remains safe, and additional security measures have been temporarily implemented, including increased patrols and security personnel presence at key locations. Classes and operations will continue as scheduled, but students are encouraged to report any suspicious activity immediately.
In a statement to the ISU community, President Terri Goss Kinzy expressed her support for students and staff, praising ISUPD for their quick and professional response. “Our priority is always the safety and well-being of our campus family. We thank the university police and local law enforcement partners for their swift action and ongoing efforts to ensure justice and security for everyone at Illinois State.”
As the investigation remains active and ongoing, ISUPD promises regular updates to the community and reiterates the importance of public cooperation. They stress that even small pieces of information can be crucial to resolving the case.
For real-time updates and official announcements, community members are encouraged to follow Illinois State University Police on social media platforms and visit the ISUPD website.
