USC Halloween Party Shooting Leaves Four Injured

Nov. 1, 2012 — -- Gunfire erupted at a packed Halloween party at the University of Southern California, wounding four people. Two men have been detained, police said.

USC emergency officials notified students about the shooting that took place at approximately 11:30 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Tutor Campus Center on its University Park campus in Los Angeles. University officials said Thursday that the shooting did not involve any faculty, staff or students of USC, and that the incident has been resolved with two suspects in custody

Officials told KABC that an argument had broken out at the campus-approved gathering at the university. An individual opened fire, striking the intended target, according to officials. That person was taken to a hospital and remains in critical condition, KABC reported.

Three innocent bystanders were also shot, but their injuries were said to be non-life threatening, according to KABC.

The university sent an email to students and alumni explaining that there was a shooting and how to remain safe.

"The suspect is at large. Stay away from the area. Seek shelter in a secure location until the incident is resolved. Be aware of your surroundings," the email said.

A later email said two men were in custody.

A witness who did not want to be named told the Los Angeles Times that there were approximately 100 people outside the crowded party, along with campus police, when at least four shots rang out.

"Everyone started running. I saw a guy who was shot in the leg. He was limping and screaming for his friends to help him. 'I got shot. Can someone give me a ride?' His friends were helping him walk," the witness told the L.A. Times. "People were screaming and running away."

The campus is currently open to students, faculty, and staff with USC ID, the university said. LAPD has the area around the Ronald Tudor Campus Center restricted as a crime scene as they continue their investigation.