Dear WSU Pullman community,

The Pullman Police Department responded to a situation south of campus that started yesterday evening (December 14) and continued through the night. As reported in the Pullman Police Department’s news release, officers learned a male in his thirties was threatening to harm his roommates. The roommates were safely evacuated from the apartment and Pullman officers attempted to speak with the male, but he barricaded himself inside the residence.

As the situation escalated, crisis negotiators from the Pullman and WSU police departments, along with the Whitman County Regional SWAT Team, responded to the scene. Because of the close proximity to the Pullman campus, a WSU Alert was issued out of an abundance of caution advising of the nearby public safety threat and urging people to avoid the area. The incident was ultimately resolved early this morning, and the suspect was found deceased when the Whitman County Regional SWAT Team cleared the apartment.

We know our community members are deeply concerned about last night’s incident and that it adds a great deal of stress and anxiety during an already trying time of the year. I appreciate WSU Pullman Police Chief Gary Jenkins’ partnership with the Pullman Police Department in this matter and his commitment to keeping our WSU community informed. I also want to thank the staff from Student Affairs who are actively caring for 20 or so WSU students and eight non‑students who were safely evacuated from the adjacent apartments.

Our top priority is always to keep our faculty, staff, and students safe. A list of the support services available for students is provided below. Employees are encouraged to utilize the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP provides confidential counseling and referral services to WSU faculty, administrative professional, and classified staff. We encourage you to utilize the available resources, as your health and wellness are critically important.

Student Support Resources

• After hours crisis phone: Call 509‑335‑2159 for WSU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) after‑hours crisis counselors. Available on weekends, university holidays, and after 5 p.m. on weekdays.
• CAPS crisis appointments: Call 509‑335‑4511 to schedule a same day in person or telehealth appointment.
• Mobile mental health services are available anytime, anywhere, including phone access to live mental health support services after‑hours, a self‑guided therapy app, and anonymous and safe chat rooms to discuss mental health.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support from volunteer Crisis Counselors.
• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24/7 support from trained counselors who can listen and provide support.

If additional pertinent information becomes available, we will update the WSU Pullman community.

As the semester break nears, please look out for one another, keep an eye on the weather, schedule travel plans accordingly, and prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you. Let’s continue to support each other and our communities during this holiday season and always.

Warm regards,
Elizabeth

Elizabeth S. Chilton
WSU Pullman Chancellor
Provost and Executive Vice President