Towson University shooting decried by police union claiming officers told to ‘stand down'

The union representing Towson University police officers sounded off about the suspension of a cop it says was ordered to "stand down" as a gathering of hundreds of revelers partied on campus – before a shooting erupted during the outdoor festivities, injuring three people.

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 2 President Joe Gregory said officers were told not to break up the unsanctioned gathering, which reportedly included a DJ and alcohol, and the now suspended officer had directed his entire shift to monitor the party anyway, the Associated Press reported. 

Once shots rang out around 2 a.m., campus police officers ran through the crowd looking for victims, and three people wounded were transported to the hospital, Gregory said. He categorized the suspension as an attack on an officer just carrying out orders. One of those individuals injured was a Towson University student, another was the suspected gunman, 19-year-old Samuel Nnam.