BB shots fired into students' dorm window

Attack may be bias crime In what may have been a racially motivated attack, shots were fired at the windows of a 16th floor apartment in High Rise East last night. Students are suspected in the shooting, because the shots are thought to have been aimed from another room in the dorm, according to Philadelphia Police. University Police said this is the second day in a row that what appears to have been BB pellets were shot at the suite. A total of 14 shots hit each of the students' bedroom windows. Both University and Philadelphia Police are investigating the incident, but have not yet uncovered a motive. But Latin American Living Program Director Gons Nachman said he thinks the shootings were racially motivated. "This is an ethnic program, and this is ethnic intimidation, which is a felony and a very serious crime," he said. "If they are caught, they may very well be charged by the District Attorney of Philadelphia." Nachman, a third year Law student, added that the incident was obviously not "random," since the same room was targeted twice in two days. "I think it is probably coming from another room in the high rise, and there are only two rooms that would have the angle to do it," Nachman said, adding, however, that he does not suspect any individual student as of yet. The shootings shattered the calm of the students residing in the suite. They said they are both angered and concerned that they were the target of an attack. "It's bad enough we have to worry about thugs in the street, but now we have to worry about Ivy Leaguers," said College senior Oreste Ramos, one of the room's residents. "If the window is open and a pellet sneaks its way in, it could hit me in the eye." Glass debris from the shots is scattered throughout the rooms. The holes made by the shots measured approximately one inch in diameter. Wharton sophomore Juan Blanco, who also lives in the apartment, said a piece of glass shot by him while he was watching television last night. He said he was scared because he usually studies in front of his window, and cannot understand why people would target his room. "I don't have any reason for people to shoot at my room," he said. "It's was kind of disruptive, and I was worried last night." Ramos said the Philadelphia Police believe the shots probably came from two rooms on upper floors, and are currently investigating. But, according to Ramos, Philadelphia Police only classified the incident as "vandalism," because the bullets appeared to be from a BB gun. Ramos said he is pleased with Residential Living's prompt response to the shooting, as they offered him and his suitemates emergency rooms and taped up the holes in the window. University Police reports indicate that the incidents occurred at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday and yesterday at 9:09 p.m. The incidents were filed as criminal mischief. Daily Pennsylvanian Staff Writer Gregory Montanaro contributed to this article.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.