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Two officers shot and killed at Bridgewater College

sign with trees above
The sign at the gate to Bridgewater College. (Photo: Alma mater/CC 3.0)

Editor's Note: WMRA's Randi B. Hagi contributed to this story. This is a developing situation, VPM News will continue to provide more updates as new information is released.

A male suspect has been taken into custody after authorities say he shot and killed who campus officers at Bridgewater College. 

A shelter-in-place order was in effect for about three hours Tuesday afternoon as officers searched the campus.   

The college said in a press release that Campus Police Officer John Painter and Safety Officer J.J. Jefferson were killed by the armed suspect, who fled the scene. 

In a message to the campus community, Bridgewater College President David Bushman shared that these officers were "close friends, known to many of us as the dynamic duo.'"

"This is a sad and dark day for Bridgewater College," Bushman went on to write. "I know we all have so many questions and not many answers. One thing I do know, though, is that we will rally around one another and support each other as we move forward from this day. We are all victims, though some much more so than others, and it will be important that we each seek to find comfort and support in the ways most meaningful for us." 

College officials say grief counseling and other forms of support will be provided to students and staff. Law enforcement from the surrounding area responded to incident, including Virginia State Police and the FBI.