Shooting at Harvard University

CAMBRIDGE (FOX25, myfoxboston) - Police are investigating a shooting near a Harvard University dormitory.

Authorities said a man was shot about 5 p.m. Monday outside an entrance to Kirkland House. The unidentified victim was taken to a hospital and police said it was not immediately known if he was a student.

After the shooting, an e-mail was sent to Harvard students by Kirkland House administrators informing them of the incident and asking them to cooperate with police and staff.

In a statement, the university said the shooting appeared to be "isolated" and that police were interviewing potential witnesses.

The statement said Kirkland House residents were being asked to remain at the undergraduate dormitory, but other students and members of the Harvard community could resume normal activity.

A witness told The Harvard Crimson that the victim, who appeared "college-aged," was bleeding, but conscious.

Harvard released the following:

Late this afternoon Harvard University Police received a report of a shooting at Kirkland House, an undergraduate residence at Harvard. All indications thus far are that the incident was isolated and that the suspects have fled the area. Harvard, Cambridge, and state police have been on the scene and are interviewing potential witnesses.

The victim has been taken to the hospital. The identity of the victim is not yet known. Residents of Kirkland House have been asked to remain there as police continue to speak with students and others. Otherwise, police have indicated that students and other members of the community are free to resume their normal activity.

Counseling staff at the College are on hand to address any concerns students might have.

The following e-mail was sent to students and faculty:

Kirkland House Students and Tutors,

We have been informed that a shooting took place minutes ago in J-Entry of the Annex.

The Annex where the police are proceeding with an investigation has been cordoned off.

We ask everyone to cooperate with the police and staff in the hours ahead. We will apprise everyone of further developments.

Please be patient and use the dining hall, the basement, or the JCR for the next few hours until you can return to your rooms.

Anyone with any information should talk to the Harvard Police immediately.

At this time, identities of the victim and perpetrator(s) are unknown.