Grieving Seattle Campus Takes Refuge in Prayer

After a private Christian university in Seattle was terrorized by a deadly shooting Thursday, grieving staff and students at the school remain focused on prayer.
 
Police say the suspected gunman Aaron Ybarra, 26, entered a building Thursday at Seattle Pacific University and opened fire, killing one student and injuring three others.

The shooting unleashed a wave of terror across the school, with police locking down the campus and students scrambling for cover.

Investigators say quick thinking students helped save lives during the attack.

One student tackled the shooter when he stopped to reload his gun and several others pinned him to the ground.

"During the incident itself, the subject was armed with a shotgun and a knife," Assistant Police Chief Paul McDonagh said. "He also had additional rounds on his person."

"And, but for the great response by the people at Seattle Pacific University, this incident might have been much more tragic," he added.

Police arrested the suspect and booked him on murder charges. Officers are now investigating a motive in the shooting.

Meanwhile, students seeking solace have been holding informal prayer meetings, filling the air with songs of worship.

"Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer," a message on the school's website reads. "We are grateful for the prayers of our community, the nation and the world."

Seattle Pacific University President Daniel Martin said, "We're a community that relies on Jesus Christ for strength, and we'll need that at this point in time."