A man has been charged with attempted murder after a staff member at the University of Surrey was shot with a crossbow. Almunthir Daqamah, 21, a Saudi national and former student of the university, faces multiple charges following the incident.
Surrey Police confirmed that Mr Daqamah has been charged with attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon, two counts of possession of a bladed article, and possession of class B drugs. He is expected to appear in court on Friday to face these allegations.
The victim, a campus safety officer, sustained injuries in the attack and was taken to hospital. Latest reports indicate that their condition is stable. The incident has understandably caused significant concern across the university community and the wider Guildford area.
University authorities have been working closely with law enforcement throughout the investigation. While specific details surrounding the motive or the exact circumstances of the attack have not yet been released, the charges laid are serious and reflect the gravity of the incident.
The use of a crossbow in such an attack has raised questions about campus security and the potential for serious violence. The university has not yet commented on any immediate changes to its security protocols, but such incidents often prompt reviews of existing measures to ensure the safety of students and staff.
This case highlights the challenges universities face in balancing an open, accessible environment with robust security provisions, particularly when dealing with former students or individuals with potential grievances. The legal proceedings will undoubtedly shed more light on the events leading up to the shooting.