TEMPE - An Arizona State graduate student shot himself in a classroom building on the main Tempe campus in front of a professor.
The shooting happened at the College of Design South building near University Drive and Mill Ave.
Kirsten Joyce reported from the scene that an ASU grad student committed suicide after speaking with a professor, but no word on what led to the shooting.
The grad student has been identified as David Solnick, 59, and the professor was Mookesh Batel.
Solnick was a third year masters student who was doing well and not failing his classes. He has not had any disciplinary problems.
Arizona State media relations released a statement confirming the news and expressed sadness over the situation.
"ASU is focusing on counseling services for those who may have known the student to help ease their pain at this difficult time, including student, faculty and staff," said Julie Newberg, ASU Media Relations Officer.
Police recovered the gun immediately following the shooting, so there was no threat to students or staff.
Crisis response crews along with medical personnel and university officials were on the scene for much of the day.
Classes in the building were canceled for the rest of the day. ASU said the Design South building will be closed until further notice.
mdcangel said on October 27, 2009 at 7:30 PM
His name is Mookesh Patel, not Batel