STILLWATER, Okla. –
But, a newly released police report reveals investigators believe the shooting was gang related.
Details are still sparse, and campus police are asking the public for tips.
“You’re not supposed to have a firearm on campus,” OSU Police Chief Michael Beckner told reporters on Sunday. “But it goes without saying: people who are going to break the law, have firearms.”
According to data the university police department has shared with the FBI, 11 weapons arrests have been made on campus in the prior three years.
In 2025, three weapons arrests have been made so far for a campus with a student population of nearly 28,000.
But, state lawmakers have long fought over loosening restrictions for gun possession on college campuses.
Constitutional carry took effect in the state in 2019. But, colleges were not impacted by the law.
Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, filed HB 1358 during the previous legislative session. It would have amended state law to allow people 21 and older, with a permit, to carry a concealed handgun on a college campus.
“What I come down to is that lawless people are not going to obey your laws against guns,” Olsen said.
Stillwater Democratic State Representative Trish Ranson was not available for an interview on Monday.
Olsen’s bill didn’t advance this year. He admitted it faces difficulties gaining enough support to move forward.
But, he resonated with information from OSU Police which said the people involved in Sunday’s shooting are believed to have been at an off-campus party before the shooting, before returning to campus for an after-party.
“If we cared about our young people we would discourage the use of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs even more,” he said. “I know we do, some. But, college campuses are not known to be real strict on that.”
OSU Police have not stated if anyone involved in the shooting is believed to have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
