Latest news with #WITN
Daily Mail
28-04-2025
- Daily Mail
Elizabeth City State University blasted for slow response to active shooter on campus
Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina has been slammed for its slow response after an active shooter stormed the campus early Sunday morning. At least one person died and six others were injured after a shooting broke out around 12.30am in the center of the historically black university's campus right after Yard Fest - a school spirit event that is part of its week-long Viking Fest celebration. Mark Hurlbut, a student who was on campus at the time, said he heard the gunshots from his room but was not sent an alert from the school about what was happening until about 30 minutes after shots rang out. 'I heard the gunshots through my window and through the walls. Campus honestly didn't send out any alerts of any kind until maybe 20-30 minutes after it happened,' Hurlbut told WITN. 'I didn't think nothing of it, but then it finally clicked. This happened right outside my door.' An unidentified 24-year-old man, who was not a student, died in the shooting, the university said. Four others, including three students, sustained gunshot wounds while two other students were hurt during the 'subsequent commotion,' the school stated. At least one person is dead and six others were injured after a shooting broke out around 12.30am Sunday in the center of the historically black university's campus Mark Hurlbut, a student who was on campus at the time, said he heard the gunshots from his room but was not made aware of what was happening until about 30 minutes after shots rang out None of their injuries were considered life-threatening and all of them were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Their current conditions are unknown. It is unclear what led up to the shooting or who the suspect is. contacted Elizabeth City State University and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for comment. Another student, Zion Upchurch, told the outlet the violent incident not only scared him but made him sad. 'I had left right before all of this transpired, but I had heard the gunshots from my dorm, and then I had got a phone call saying some people had got shot and I was just trying to figure out who did,' Upchurch recalled. An unidentified 24-year-old man who was not a student died in the shooting, the university said. It is unclear what led up to the shooting or who the potential suspect could be Another student, Zion Upchurch told the outlet the violent incident not only scared him but made him sad 'I feel- I'm sad because the person that did pass away doesn't even go here, so it just doesn't make sense.' Following the shooting, the college took to Facebook and said: 'The university is deeply saddened by this senseless act. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all members of the Viking community affected by this tragedy.' The school said counseling services were available around 10.30am Sunday and also increased control on campus grounds.
New York Post
25-04-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis forced to shut down North Carolina store amid battle over massive American flags
The Camping World CEO claims he was forced to close down one of his North Carolina stores as he defied local politicians over the massive American flags flying over the locations. Marcus Lemonis made the shocking revelation that one of the national RV dealerships in Greenville, NC, was shuttered on April 18. Lemonis says he was forced to shut down operations at the smaller of the two locations after the city council sued him and the company for violating city ordinance with the larger-than-life flags, and continues to impose fines. Advertisement 5 A large American flag flies over a Camping World dealership. Camping World 'We think the ordinance is wrong,' Lemonis told local radio station WTIB, according to WITN. ' I think it's also wrong council members have been working very actively to disparage my business and on Friday I had to consolidate modification of 2 dealerships in town.' The unexpected closing of Camping World's Forest River RV retail comes as Lemonis continued his legal battle against the Greenville City Council and defied lawsuits to fly the massive 'Old Glory.' Advertisement Camping World had two stores in Greenville, North Carolina, where the controversial flags flew outside until the Greenville Boulevard site was shut down, Lemonis told the local radio station. Lemonis said the affected Greenville store had been 'been unfortunately impacted uniquely' by the city. Greenville notes that the flag is almost the size of a basketball court, spanning 3200 square feet. The pole it flies from is around 130 feet tall, almost double the current allowance. 'This has never been about removing an American flag or the type of flag. It is about bringing the flag into compliance with City Code,' Greenville Communications Manager Brock Letchworth said. 'We look forward to finding a resolution that will result in the continued display of the flag, but in a way that does not violate local laws.' Advertisement 5 Marcus Lemonis speaks at TSP Game Plan 2023 at The Hotel at Avalon in Alpharetta, Georgia on Jan. 27, 2023. Getty Images The 51-year-old CEO suggested the city ordinances violated North Carolina state law, but didn't specify an exact legislation. Lemonis, who was born in Beirut, Lebanon, stood firm in his decision not to take down the 'Stars and Stripes,' citing the hard work he put in moving to the US. 'I wasn't born in this country. I emigrated from Beirut, Lebanon. Came here to Miami, Florida and had an opportunity to live the American dream in this country. I've put a lot of sweat and tears into building this business for my people, for the country. And it's my love letter to tell everybody how grateful I am this country provided me an opportunity where it didn't have to. To make money, to be a capitalist, to provide jobs in America,' he wrote. Advertisement 5 The 51-year-old CEO suggested the city ordinances violated North Carolina state law, but didn't specify an exact legislation. @marcuslemonis/X On Thursday, he shared a video that featured veteran customers and employees who praised the flag and the company's patriotism. 'I am a veteran and I served for three years in the US Army. I stand over the bay every morning and look at the flag waving. Just makes me proud to work here,' Technician Michael Monday said. Lemonis captioned the post with the hashtag NeverComingDown. Along with Greenville, NC, Camping World is facing a lawsuit from the city of Sevierville, Tenn. 5 Workers help raise the giant American Flag at one of the company's dealerships. Camping World 5 On Thursday, he shared a video that featured veteran customers and employees who praised the flag and the company's patriotism. @marcuslemonis/X Sevierville, located 30 miles outside Knoxville, argued the flag in its city can be a distraction to drivers. Advertisement 'Let us be clear: the City of Sevierville is not, and never will be, against patriotism,' officials wrote. 'Excessively tall structures can create visual distractions for motorists, pose potential safety hazards, and impact the scenic views that are a vital part of what makes Sevierville a destination for residents and visitors alike.' Camping World received the backing from Evangelical leader Rev. Franklin Graham. 'These American flags are HUGE—and I love it! The bigger, the better! Shame on the city governments that are trying to sue Camping World and get CEO Marcus Lemonis to take down the American flags he has flying over his businesses,' Graham wrote on Facebook. 'Yes, his flags and flagpoles exceed the city codes, but the American flag should be an exception.'
