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Navajo Nation leaders headed to campus following fatal shooting






The Native American Cultural Center at Northern Arizona University. Photo from NAU

Leaders of the Navajo Nation will meet with students at Northern Arizona University following a fatal shooting on campus early this morning.

President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez want to make sure tribal members who attend the school in Flagstaff feel safe. They will meet with students at the Native American Cultural Center, Building 14, on Sunday at 6pm local time.

“The Office of the President and Vice President is deeply saddened by news of a Northern Arizona University student killed in a shooting incident that took place on NAU campus early Friday morning," President Begaye said. "All life is sacred and the loss of any life is tragic."

"We want to thank the NAU Police Department and Flagstaff Police Department for responding in a rapid manner," Vice President Nez added. "We also want to encourage any students or faculty who have suffered trauma because of the shooting to seek counseling services as they see fit."

The student who died was identified as Colin Brough. He worked as a lifeguard in Flagstaff, the city announced.

"I reached out to Colin’s family earlier today and offered my deepest condolences on behalf of the city," Mayor Jerry Nabours said in a press release.

Three other students -- identified as Nicholas Prato, Kyle Zientek and Nicholas Piring -- were injured, The Associated Press reported. They are being treated in a local hospital.

Steven Jones, an 18-year-old student at NAU, has been charged with one count of first-degree homicide and three counts of aggravated assault. He allegedly shot the four victims after an argument arose, the AP reported.

A large number of Native American students attend NAU. More than 100 tribes are represented on campus.

“In light of this shooting, OPVP would ask NAU to heighten security measures to further protect the lives of all students attending the university,” Begaye said.

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