DALLAS, TX – Southern Methodist University (SMU) is reeling after a student reported being assaulted in his dorm room early Friday morning, sparking a swift response from campus authorities. The attack, which took place around 12:30 a.m., has left the campus community on high alert.
The student, who remains unnamed, believes the assault was a retaliatory act connected to a prior incident. Although the specifics of the earlier event have not been revealed, the university confirmed that the victim did not know his assailants.
SMU quickly issued a campus-wide alert, notifying students and staff of the incident and requesting assistance in identifying two suspects captured on surveillance footage. This immediate action included subsequent emails, alarm system tests, and safety drills to reassure the university community.
Freshman Alexa Valentine, who lives in the dorms, voiced her concern about the attack but commended the university’s transparency. “It’s troubling to hear about such incidents, but it’s reassuring that the university keeps us informed and ensures our safety,” Valentine stated.
Following the alert, SMU police updated the community, revealing that the two men in the surveillance images had been identified and that arrest warrants had been issued. Despite these developments, the suspects remain at large, and no arrests have been made to date.
The university has not disclosed how the attackers accessed the secured dormitory, which requires a key card for entry and has doors that lock automatically. Whether the suspects are current or former students remains unclear, as SMU has withheld further details due to the ongoing investigation.
While the investigation continues, SMU has stated that no additional suspects are being pursued. The incident highlights the critical importance of campus security and the need for heightened awareness among students and staff.