Police/Facebook John Painter
John Painter was one of the two Bridgewater College law enforcement officers who were shot and killed during an active shooter incident on the college’s campus in Virginia. Painter and safety officer J.J. Jefferson, the other officer who lost his life, were remembered as heroes who gave their lives while working to protect students.
Painter was a former police chief in the area who was remembered for his service and dedication.
“So thankful my boy and his friends are safe. Will forever be grateful to Officer J.J. Jefferson and Officer John Painter who lost their lives today protecting the kids at Bridgewater College. Prayers for their families and all involved in the tragedy today,” a woman wrote on Facebook.
In November, Painter shared a graphic on Facebook that read, “If violent crime is to be curbed, it is only the intended victim who can do it. The felon does not fear the police, and he fears neither judge nor jury. Therefore, what he must be taught to fear is his victim.”
The suspect is now in custody but has not been named, the College wrote. A campus law enforcement officer (Painter) and campus safety officer (Jefferson) were shot, Virginia State police confirmed.
Bridgewater College’s president wrote in a statement posted to the college’s Facebook page that the two officers had died.
The motive is not clear.
PoliceOfficer Jefferson
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Painter & Jefferson Were Known as the ‘Dynamic Duo’
Bridgewater College’s president posted a statement to Facebook. In it, he described the two officers as very close.
“These officers were close friends, known to many of us as the ‘dynamic duo.’ John was J.J.’s best man in his wedding this year. They were beloved by students, faculty and staff. I hurt for their families and loved ones, as I know we all do,” Bridgewater College President David Bushman said in the statement.
Suspect apprehended in active shooting on @BridgewaterNews campus. #VSP is on scene & investigating this incident that resulted in a Campus Law Enforcement Officer and Campus Safety Officer both being shot.
The active shooter reports were first communicated to students and faculty via an emergency alert on February 1, 2022.
“Reports of active shooter on campus. Shelter in place,” Bridgewater College tweeted in one of its first alerts.
A man was taken into custody by law enforcement following an active shooter alert at Bridgewater College on Tuesday. Photo by Daniel Lin.
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Bridgewater College later gave additional details:
Around 1:20 p.m. Feb. 1 Bridgewater College Police, Town of Bridgewater Police, @VSPPIO, Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, @HarrisonburgPD, Augusta Sheriff’s Office, Town of Dayton Police, FBI & @VirginiaDWR, responded to a report of an active shooter on BC’s campus. Initial reports came in that 2 officers had been shot & the armed suspect had fled. State & local law enforcement immediately responded and initiated a massive search operation for the suspect. By 1:55 p.m. the male shooter was taken into custody. Investigation ongoing.
The college eventually gave an “all clear.” Further details of how the shootings unfolded were not immediately released.
2. Painter Was Remembered as a ‘Great Man’ & ‘Great Law Man’
Painter had a long career in law enforcement. According to LinkedIn, Painter was chief of police for the Town of Grottoes for years. Before that, he served as a police sergeant and officer for the Grottoes force. He was also formerly a police officer for Elton Police. The Daily News Record reported that Painter retired from the Grottoes position in 2019. Bridgewater’s directory lists his current title as campus police officer at the college.
A tribute posted to Facebook read,
It is with a heavy heart I, like many, share this post in memory of a great man, friend, co-worker, and more notable, a great law man. Chief John Painter gave his time and loyalty to the Town of Grottoes, and gave his LIFE to serve and protect the students and citizens of Bridgewater. These are but a few of many memories I would like to share and will always treasure.
The reports of the active shooter came on the afternoon of February 1, 2022. The motive is not yet clear.
“I have been briefed on the situation at Bridgewater College. The shooter is in custody and state and local police are on the scene. I will continue to monitor the situation in conjunction with law enforcement,” Governor Glenn Youngkin tweeted.
I have been briefed on the situation at Bridgewater College. The shooter is in custody and state and local police are on the scene. I will continue to monitor the situation in conjunction with law enforcement.
3. Painter Was Described as Leaving a Legacy of ‘True Diligence’ & Heart
Grottoes Mayor Jo Plaster remembered Painter in a lengthy tribute. The mayor wrote:
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we collectively mourn the tragic loss of The Town of Grottoes’ Retired Police Chief of 18 years, Chief John Painter who was killed in the line of duty, serving all, as he so well did, while on duty at Bridgewater College Campus. Chief Painter leaves a legacy of true diligence, heart, honor and leadership within our community. Chief Painter was gentle, a kind spirit and it has been a true privilege knowing him and having him serve Our Town. Our deepest condolences are to Chief Painter’s Family and Friends and our close net community. Chief Painter gave all to serve us and our fellow Bridgewater Campus Community.
We also extend our sincere condolences to the Family and friends of Bridgewater Campus Security Officer, J.J. Jefferson, also killed in the line of duty.
Our prayers are with their families, friends and our law enforcement community, during this tragic time. Together we are a unit. Together we shall honor the sacrifices of our men and women on the front lines and stand with them. Chief Painter, we sadly will miss you and honor you in legacy for years to come.
Grottoes Cardinals wrote on Facebook,
Our hearts are grieving this evening as this shooting touched home to many of our staff and players. Officer John Painter was the Grottoes Town Police Chief for many years and he was friends to many of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with these two officers, their co-workers, family and friends. A senseless act of violence…RIP to Both Officer Painter and Officer Jefferson.
The college tweeted that a suspect was in custody, writing, “An individual is in police custody. Situation is still ongoing. Continue to shelter where you are.”
An individual is in police custody. Situation is still ongoing. Continue to shelter where you are.
The college’s website was down but then went back up. It also contained a series of emergency alerts. The first report of an active shooter on campus came just after 1:24. A short time later, the college posted this message: “This is not a test. More info to follow.” The website touts Bridgewater as the “safest college” in Virginia.
4. A U.S. Senator Expressed Prayers for ‘All Involved’ & the College’s President Called It a ‘Sad & Dark Day’
2 security officers shot? Bridgewater college
“This is a sad and dark day for Bridgewater College. 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,” the college’s president said in the email to students, according to NBC12.
Mark Warner, U.S. senator from Virginia, tweeted, “Continuing to closely monitor the situation at Bridgewater College and am grateful for the efforts of first responders already on the scene. Praying for all involved.”
Reports of active shooter on campus. Shelter in place.
Harrisonburg, Virginia’s Twitter page tweeted, “The Harrisonburg Police Department is currently assisting with an active law enforcement scene in the town of Bridgewater. Please do not travel to Bridgewater at this time until the situation comes to a close. To any of our followers in Bridgewater, please shelter in place.” The page also confirmed that a suspect was in custody.
5. Painter, Who Was From Germany, Enjoyed Hunting & Wrote About Politics on Facebook
On his Facebook page, Painter wrote that he lived in Harrisonburg, Virginia, but was from Kircheimbolanden, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.
He shared photos of hunting on Facebook, writing in November, “Sitting on the side of a mountain in the National Forest reflecting on memories from 1 year ago today in the same forest.”
Another graphic he shared read, “be careful dressing up as police officers this Halloween, with all the shortages you might have to work 3rd shift.” He also indicated he was voting Republican. He also shared posts critical of President Joe Biden, including over gun control.
Before the suspect was in custody, the college wrote, “Situation is ongoing. We are communicating with authorities. Will update. Text to let your loved ones know you are okay.”
@nbcwashington Hello my Son texted me about a active shooter on the campus of Bridgewater College in Bridgewater Va. I don’t know if you have heard or not.
People wrote on the College’s tweet. “My kid is there, was at the office where incident happened. He said 1 person w gun who ran. Another person believe to be a bystander was tackled by police. Info is sketchy -still locked down,” a person wrote. That information was not verified by authorities.
“Hello my Son texted me about a active shooter on the campus of Bridgewater College in Bridgewater Va.,” a woman tweeted at a news outlet. There were conflicting reports on social media about whether there was only one shooter, but authorities have not clarified. It is common in fast-breaking active shooter incidents for early information to conflict or even be wrong.
A woman tweeted, “I’ve spent the last hour messaging with dear friends & former colleagues at Bridgewater College (my first job), who have been sheltering in place due to an active shooter on campus. I don’t even have the words anymore to say how much this isn’t normal. Except that here, it is.”
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