University Of Arizona Professor Thomas Meixner Shot And Killed By Former Student Murad Dervish

Hydrology professor shot dead by former student, 46, who 'stormed science building at the University of Arizona and opened fire' 

A University of Arizona professor was gunned down on campus Wednesday when a former student who was not allowed to be on the property allegedly made his way into the science building and opened fire. Thomas Meixner, 52, was head of the UA's Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences and had been noted for his research on water quality and climate change. Meixner was rushed to the hospital after being shot around 2pm. He was pronounced dead in the emergency room.The suspected gunman was identified as former student Murad Dervish, 46, according to UA Police Chief Paula Balafas, who gave an update following his arrest just after 5pm. Balafas said the victim was a professor in the Department of Hydrology but said she would not be releasing his name. The professor's identity was first confirmed by the Tucson Sentinel and tributes have since poured in for the educator, with one person calling his death a 'crushing loss to the water community' and another declaring it a 'sad day for science.' Police say the on-campus shooting happened just after 2pm inside the John W. Harshbarger Building - which houses the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences. 'Someone recognized the student and knew that he was not allowed inside the building,' Balafas said. It was not revealed why Dervish was not allowed inside the building. The campus was under lockdown for over an hour as police searched for the suspect, who was located off-campus. 'I don't know what the suspect's issue was in this case, but if you see something, don't just say something but do something. If you know someone struggling with mental health issues or anger issues, please reach out,' Balafas said. Balafas said that campus police first received a call from inside the building who recognized the ex-student as someone who was not allowed to be there. The caller requested the suspect be escorted out. Within a few minutes, another caller reported a shooting inside the building. Source