Authorities said that a father who was visiting Marist College during a family weekend was killed in an upstate New York hotel lobby gunfire.
According to the Poughkeepsie Police Department, two men were taken into custody in connection with the crime. Central Recorderday shootings broke out at around 7:30 a.m.
Authorities said that the Courtyard Marriott was full of families who were visiting Marist College nearby for a weekend event for parents.
According to the college, the victim of the shooting was the father a student.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family, and we are offering the full support of the Marist community,”The university released a statement.
According to police, the two men were associated with gangs and are well-known to local authorities. Authorities said that one suspect was found outside the hotel with a weapon. Further searches of the Marriott rooms revealed that one suspect was carrying a weapon. “manuals related to the making of explosive devices, as well as materials with the potential to be used as explosives,” Poughkeepsie police said. “The New York State Police Bomb Squad responded and secured the material.”
Federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also responded, police said.
Marist parent John Bucsek said he and his wife were told to remain in their room while police responded.
“Bucsek said that the staff took us to a parking area near the hotel. “There were approximately 75 of us there.” WCBS-TV.It felt like standing in line at a funeral. Everyone was kind of, well, numb.” the father said.
Freshman student Henry Merli told the station, “Because my family was from St. Louis, I was extremely afraid and feel terrible for them. It’s awful.”
The victim and suspects were not identified.