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American International College in Springfield Caught Twice in Gunfire

Adam Frenier
/
NEPR
Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri and Mayor Domenic Sarno (right) at a press conference on Thursday addressing gang violence near the campus of American International College.
Police said the bullets came from gang violence in the surrounding neighborhood of Mason Square.

On two recent occasions, stray bullets have hit buildings on the campus of American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts. But the school’s president said the campus is safe regardless.

Police said the bullets came from gang violence in the surrounding neighborhood of Mason Square. AIC President Vincent Maniaci said in recent years, the school has hired more security officers, given them more training, and hired consultants to improve the campus safety plan.

“I believe that our campus is much safer, or is as safe now, as it’s ever been," Maniaci said. “Unfortunately, we can’t control the sporadic gang violence that takes place from time to time in our community. But we need to do everything we can to try to minimize or eliminate it.”

Maniaci said Springfield leaders have been working with AIC on the problem. Mayor Domenic Sarno said the city is increasing patrols, trying to identify suspects, and enlisting the help of state and federal law enforcement to end to the recent surge of what he calls “gun play.”

 

 

This story was originally published at NEPR.net.

 

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The independent journalism and non-commercial programming you rely on every day is in danger.

If you’re reading this, you believe in trusted journalism and in learning without paywalls. You value access to educational content kids love and enriching cultural programming.

Now all of that is at risk.

Federal funding for public media is under threat and if it goes, the impact to our communities will be devastating.

Together, we can defend it. It’s time to protect what matters.

Your voice has protected public media before. Now, it’s needed again. Learn how you can protect the news and programming you depend on.

Connecticut Public’s journalism is made possible, in part by funding from Jeffrey Hoffman and Robert Jaeger.