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Photos of UNC shooting aftermath: A campus in shock, a Chapel Hill community in mourning

By Jessica Banov , Robert Willett , Kaitlin McKeown and Travis Long

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UNC Shooting

UNC professor Zijie Yan was fatally shot Aug. 28, 2023, in Chapel Hill, NC,, prompting an hourslong lockdown and questions about campus security. Yan’s graduate student has been charged with his murder. Here is ongoing News & Observer coverage about the killing, the campus response and the aftermath.

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For over three hours on Monday, Aug. 28, the UNC-Chapel Hill campus was paralyzed as police searched for an “armed and dangerous person” near campus.

After the campuswide lockdown was lifted, the university and the community learned that a revered professor named Zijie Yan had been killed. The alleged gunman was Tailei Qi, a graduate student who was one of his students. Qi has been charged with murder.

The lockdown and shooting shook the community, and in the following days, students rallied to speak out against guns and to celebrate Yan’s life.

Here are photos from the day of the shooting and the aftermath in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, as seen through the eyes of The News & Observer’s photojournalists.

A heavy law enforcement and first responser presence is seen on South Street near the Bell Tower on the campus of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C. Monday afternoon, Aug. 28, 2023 after a report of a “armed and dangerous person”.
A heavy law enforcement and first responser presence is seen on South Street near the Bell Tower on the campus of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C. Monday afternoon, Aug. 28, 2023 after a report of a “armed and dangerous person”. Kaitlin McKeown
Two police officers move around a building on the campus of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C. Monday afternoon, Aug. 28, 2023 after a report of a “armed and dangerous person”.
Two police officers move around a building on the campus of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C. Monday afternoon, Aug. 28, 2023 after a report of a “armed and dangerous person”. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Ben Rosen, a freshmen at UNC Chapel Hill, took this photo in Phillips Hall during the Aug. 28, 2023, lock down from the University of North Carolina Genome Science Building.
Ben Rosen, a freshmen at UNC Chapel Hill, took this photo in Phillips Hall during the Aug. 28, 2023, lock down from the University of North Carolina Genome Science Building. Courtesy of Ben Rosen.
Gavin Blackwell, a member of the UNC Football team, took this photo during the Aug. 28, 2023, lock down from the University of North Carolina Genome Science Building.
Gavin Blackwell, a member of the UNC Football team, took this photo during the Aug. 28, 2023, lock down from the University of North Carolina Genome Science Building. Courtesy of Gavin Blackwell
People walk out of a building near South Road as law enforcement responds to an “active assailant situation” on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.
People walk out of a building near South Road as law enforcement responds to an “active assailant situation” on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
People console one another after being released from a lockdown area on South Road after a report of an armed and dangerous person on the University of North Carolina campus on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
People console one another after being released from a lockdown area on South Road after a report of an armed and dangerous person on the University of North Carolina campus on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
A North Carolina State Trooper surveys the area outside Caudill Laboratories on the first floor of the building where a bullet broke a window on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. The building on the University of North Carolina campus is believed to be the site of a shooting that forced the campus into lock down for several hours on Monday afternoon.
A North Carolina State Trooper surveys the area outside Caudill Laboratories on the first floor of the building where a bullet broke a window on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. The building on the University of North Carolina campus is believed to be the site of a shooting that forced the campus into lock down for several hours on Monday afternoon. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Heavily armed North Carolina State Troopers walk down South Road toward the Bell Tower on the University of North Carolina campus after a report of an armed and dangerous person on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Heavily armed North Carolina State Troopers walk down South Road toward the Bell Tower on the University of North Carolina campus after a report of an armed and dangerous person on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Students walk along South Road after a report of an armed and dangerous person on the University of North Carolina campus on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Students walk along South Road after a report of an armed and dangerous person on the University of North Carolina campus on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Heavily armed North Carolina State Troopers walk down South Road toward the Bell Tower on the University of North Carolina campus after a report of an armed and dangerous person on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Heavily armed North Carolina State Troopers walk down South Road toward the Bell Tower on the University of North Carolina campus after a report of an armed and dangerous person on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
People walk along South Road as law enforcement responds to an “active assailant situation” on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.
People walk along South Road as law enforcement responds to an “active assailant situation” on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Some of these University of North Carolina students were released on to South Road after being in a lock down in Dey Hall after a report of an armed and dangerous person on campus on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Some of these University of North Carolina students were released on to South Road after being in a lock down in Dey Hall after a report of an armed and dangerous person on campus on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina ALE Agents exit the Caudill Laboratories building near the Bell Tower on the University of North Carolina campus after a report of an armed and dangerous person on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina ALE Agents exit the Caudill Laboratories building near the Bell Tower on the University of North Carolina campus after a report of an armed and dangerous person on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina State Troopers confer with fellow law enforcement officers outside the Caudill Labs building near the Bell Tower on the University of North Carolina campus after a report of an armed and dangerous person on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina State Troopers confer with fellow law enforcement officers outside the Caudill Labs building near the Bell Tower on the University of North Carolina campus after a report of an armed and dangerous person on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina ALE Agents exit the Caudill Laboratories building near the Bell Tower on the University of North Carolina campus after a report of an armed and dangerous person on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina ALE Agents exit the Caudill Laboratories building near the Bell Tower on the University of North Carolina campus after a report of an armed and dangerous person on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Law enforcement gather along South Road while responding to an “active assailant situation” on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.
Law enforcement gather along South Road while responding to an “active assailant situation” on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
The University of North Carolina Campus Police secure the Caudill Laboratories Building after a report of an armed and dangerous person on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
The University of North Carolina Campus Police secure the Caudill Laboratories Building after a report of an armed and dangerous person on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
FBI Agents gather outside the Caudill Laboratories building to help investigate a shooting on the University of North Carolina campus on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
FBI Agents gather outside the Caudill Laboratories building to help investigate a shooting on the University of North Carolina campus on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
The University of North Carolina Campus Police secure the Caudill Laboratories Building after a report of an armed and dangerous person on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
The University of North Carolina Campus Police secure the Caudill Laboratories Building after a report of an armed and dangerous person on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Law enforcement walk along South Road while responding to an “active assailant situation” on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.
Law enforcement walk along South Road while responding to an “active assailant situation” on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz listens during a press conference at the Carolina Inn following a shooting on the university campus on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C.
UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz listens during a press conference at the Carolina Inn following a shooting on the university campus on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
zUNC Police Chief Brian James shakes hands with University of North Carolina students following a press briefing at the Carolina Inn he announced that one university faculty member was killed in a shooting at Caudill Laboratories on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
zUNC Police Chief Brian James shakes hands with University of North Carolina students following a press briefing at the Carolina Inn he announced that one university faculty member was killed in a shooting at Caudill Laboratories on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
UNC Police Chief Brian James speaks during a press briefing at the Carolina Inn, where he and University of North Carolina Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz announced that one university faculty member was killed in a shooting at Caudill Laboratories on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
UNC Police Chief Brian James speaks during a press briefing at the Carolina Inn, where he and University of North Carolina Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz announced that one university faculty member was killed in a shooting at Caudill Laboratories on Monday, August 28. 2023 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

A campus in mourning

UNC-Chapel Hill first-year students Lucas Moore and Katie Fiore embrace on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. following a Monday shooting that left a faculty member dead on the university’s campus.
UNC-Chapel Hill first-year students Lucas Moore and Katie Fiore embrace on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. following a Monday shooting that left a faculty member dead on the university’s campus. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Messages are written in chalk on the quad of UNC-Chapel Hill on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, following a Monday shooting that left a faculty member dead on the university campus.
Messages are written in chalk on the quad of UNC-Chapel Hill on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, following a Monday shooting that left a faculty member dead on the university campus. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
UNC-Chapel Hill first-year student Lucas Searles hugs Felicia Ostrander on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. following a Monday shooting that left a faculty member dead on the university campus.
UNC-Chapel Hill first-year student Lucas Searles hugs Felicia Ostrander on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. following a Monday shooting that left a faculty member dead on the university campus. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
UNC Police Chief Brian James listens to a question about Monday’s campus shooting during a press conference held at the Carolina Inn on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C.
UNC Police Chief Brian James listens to a question about Monday’s campus shooting during a press conference held at the Carolina Inn on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Flowers are left at the base of a sign outside Caudill Laboratories on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C., following a Monday shooting at the lab that left a member of the faculty dead.
Flowers are left at the base of a sign outside Caudill Laboratories on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C., following a Monday shooting at the lab that left a member of the faculty dead. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
A window is boarded up at Caudill Laboratories on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill. A graduate student was arrested and charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting at the laboratories that left a member of the faculty dead.
A window is boarded up at Caudill Laboratories on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill. A graduate student was arrested and charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting at the laboratories that left a member of the faculty dead. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Flowers and a molecular model sit at the base of the bell tower on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, following a Monday shooting that left a member of the faculty dead.
Flowers and a molecular model sit at the base of the bell tower on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, following a Monday shooting that left a member of the faculty dead. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
A person pauses outside of Caudill Laboratories on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. A graduate student was arrested and charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting at the laboratories that left a member of the faculty dead.
A person pauses outside of Caudill Laboratories on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. A graduate student was arrested and charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting at the laboratories that left a member of the faculty dead. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
A person walks by Caudill Laboratories on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. The building remains closed following a Monday shooting at the laboratories that left a member of the faculty dead.
A person walks by Caudill Laboratories on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. The building remains closed following a Monday shooting at the laboratories that left a member of the faculty dead. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Chalk drawing on UNC-Chapel Hill campus Thursday, Aug. 29, 2023 in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday.
Chalk drawing on UNC-Chapel Hill campus Thursday, Aug. 29, 2023 in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
Ashley Vicente Lopez, a first-year student at UNC-Chapel Hill, leaves flowers at a memorial at the base of the bell tower on Wednesday. Professors on campus are calling for a mental health task force for graduate students.
Ashley Vicente Lopez, a first-year student at UNC-Chapel Hill, leaves flowers at a memorial at the base of the bell tower on Wednesday. Professors on campus are calling for a mental health task force for graduate students. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
A person pauses in front of a memorial at the bell tower on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. A graduate student has been charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting that left physics professor Zijie Yan dead on the university’s campus.
A person pauses in front of a memorial at the bell tower on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. A graduate student has been charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting that left physics professor Zijie Yan dead on the university’s campus. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com

Gun control rally, Aug. 30, 2023

David Hogg, a survivor of a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., speaks during a student-led rally at UNC-Chapel Hill in support of gun control on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. A graduate student has been charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting that left a faculty member dead on the university’s campus.
David Hogg, a survivor of a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., speaks during a student-led rally at UNC-Chapel Hill in support of gun control on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. A graduate student has been charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting that left a faculty member dead on the university’s campus. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
Danielle Kennedy, right, holds a sign during a student-led rally at UNC-Chapel Hill in support of gun control on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. A graduate student has been charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting that left a faculty member dead on the campus.
Danielle Kennedy, right, holds a sign during a student-led rally at UNC-Chapel Hill in support of gun control on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. A graduate student has been charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting that left a faculty member dead on the campus. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
UNC-Chapel Hill junior Jayla Twitty reacts during a rally on the university quad in support of gun control on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. A graduate student has been charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting that left a faculty member dead on the university’s campus.
UNC-Chapel Hill junior Jayla Twitty reacts during a rally on the university quad in support of gun control on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. A graduate student has been charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting that left a faculty member dead on the university’s campus. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
People listen during a student-led rally at UNC-Chapel Hill in support of gun control on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. A graduate student has been charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting that left a faculty member dead on the university’s campus.
People listen during a student-led rally at UNC-Chapel Hill in support of gun control on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. A graduate student has been charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting that left a faculty member dead on the university’s campus. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
People hold signs during a student-led rally at UNC-Chapel Hill in support of gun control on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. A graduate student has been charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting that left a faculty member dead on the campus.
People hold signs during a student-led rally at UNC-Chapel Hill in support of gun control on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. A graduate student has been charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting that left a faculty member dead on the campus. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com
A person holds a copy of The Daily Tar Heel on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. A graduate student has been charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting that left physics professor Zijie Yan dead on the university’s campus.
A person holds a copy of The Daily Tar Heel on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. A graduate student has been charged with first-degree murder following a Monday shooting that left physics professor Zijie Yan dead on the university’s campus. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com

Candlelight vigil, Aug. 30, 2023

UNC-Chapel Hill students gather for a candle light vigil Friday, Aug 30, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday.
UNC-Chapel Hill students gather for a candle light vigil Friday, Aug 30, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz speaks during a candle light vigil Friday, Aug 30, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday.
UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz speaks during a candle light vigil Friday, Aug 30, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty and family hold a candle light vigil Friday, Aug 30, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday.
UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty and family hold a candle light vigil Friday, Aug 30, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty and family hold a candlelight vigil Friday, Aug 30, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday.
UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty and family hold a candlelight vigil Friday, Aug 30, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty and family hold a candlelight vigil Friday, Aug 30, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday.
UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty and family hold a candlelight vigil Friday, Aug 30, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty and family hold a candlelight vigil Wednesday, Aug 30, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday.
UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty and family hold a candlelight vigil Wednesday, Aug 30, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty and family hold a candlelight vigil Friday, Aug 30, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday.
UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty and family hold a candlelight vigil Friday, Aug 30, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com
UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty and family hold a candlelight vigil Friday, Aug 30, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday.
UNC-Chapel Hill students, faculty and family hold a candlelight vigil Friday, Aug 30, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in honor of professor Zijie Yan who was shot and killed on campus on Monday. Travis Long tlong@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published August 28, 2023 at 3:30 PM with the headline "Photos of UNC shooting aftermath: A campus in shock, a Chapel Hill community in mourning."

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Jessica Banov is an editor and audience growth specialist at The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun. She is the night Breaking News Editor for McClatchy’s Southeast region and The N&O’s Features Editor. She also serves as The News & Observer’s intern program coordinator.
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UNC Shooting

UNC professor Zijie Yan was fatally shot Aug. 28, 2023, in Chapel Hill, NC,, prompting an hourslong lockdown and questions about campus security. Yan’s graduate student has been charged with his murder. Here is ongoing News & Observer coverage about the killing, the campus response and the aftermath.

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