To: University Community
From: President Robert Zimmer
Subject: Shooting on South Ellis
It is with the greatest possible sadness that I write to inform you of the tragic killing of one of our graduate students last night. Amadou Cisse, an international student completing his Ph.D. degree in chemistry, was shot and killed at 1:26 a.m. in the street near 6120 S. Ellis Ave. We are saddened and outraged by this terrible event, and our hearts go out to the student’s family, friends, colleagues and neighbors.
Both University of Chicago and Chicago Police Department officers responded immediately to the shooting, and are working together to actively investigate this crime. Police are increasing patrols in and around campus. In addition to these immediate measures, we will work intensively with the Chicago Police Department to evaluate what additional steps we will take to ensure the safety of our community going forward.
In addition to the fatal shooting, there were two other incidents on or near campus last night. At 12:33 a.m. at 6045 Woodlawn, a man was chased by an individual who fired a shot in his direction. At 1:15 a.m., two women were robbed at 924 E. 57th St. by an individual who said he had a weapon. Police are investigating whether or not these incidents are related. Anyone who might have information related to any of these incidents should call the Chicago Police Department’s Area 2 Violent Crimes at 312-747-8272.