John Painter was one of the two Bridgewater College law enforcement officers who were shot and killed during an active shooter incident on the college’s campus in Virginia. Painter and safety officer J.J. Jefferson, the other officer who lost his life, were remembered as heroes who gave their lives while working to protect students.
Painter was a former police chief in the area who was remembered for his service and dedication.
“So thankful my boy and his friends are safe. Will forever be grateful to Officer J.J. Jefferson and Officer John Painter who lost their lives today protecting the kids at Bridgewater College. Prayers for their families and all involved in the tragedy today,” a woman wrote on Facebook.
In November, Painter shared a graphic on Facebook that read, “If violent crime is to be curbed, it is only the intended victim who can do it. The felon does not fear the police, and he fears neither judge nor jury. Therefore, what he must be taught to fear is his victim.”
The suspect is now in custody but has not been named, the College wrote. A campus law enforcement officer (Painter) and campus safety officer (Jefferson) were shot, Virginia State police confirmed.
Bridgewater College’s president wrote in a statement posted to the college’s Facebook page that the two officers had died.
The motive is not clear.
Bridgewater College’s president posted a statement to Facebook. In it, he described the two officers as very close.
“These officers were close friends, known to many of us as the ‘dynamic duo.’ John was J.J.’s best man in his wedding this year. They were beloved by students, faculty and staff. I hurt for their families and loved ones, as I know we all do,” Bridgewater College President David Bushman said in the statement.
The active shooter reports were first communicated to students and faculty via an emergency alert on February 1, 2022.
“Reports of active shooter on campus. Shelter in place,” Bridgewater College tweeted in one of its first alerts.
Bridgewater College later gave additional details:
Around 1:20 p.m. Feb. 1 Bridgewater College Police, Town of Bridgewater Police, @VSPPIO, Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, @HarrisonburgPD, Augusta Sheriff’s Office, Town of Dayton Police, FBI & @VirginiaDWR, responded to a report of an active shooter on BC’s campus. Initial reports came in that 2 officers had been shot & the armed suspect had fled. State & local law enforcement immediately responded and initiated a massive search operation for the suspect. By 1:55 p.m. the male shooter was taken into custody. Investigation ongoing.
The college eventually gave an “all clear.” Further details of how the shootings unfolded were not immediately released.
JOHN PAINTER
Police Officer John Painter and civilian Campus Safety Officer J.J. Jefferson were shot and killed while responding to a call involving a suspicious person carrying a duffel bag a restricted area of Memorial Hall.
Officer Painter and CSO Jefferson contacted the subject. After a short interaction, the man opened fire on them, fatally wounding both. The man fled on foot into the town of Bridgewater. He was taken into custody after wading onto an island in the North River.
The man was a former Bridgewater College student. He was charged with two counts of capital murder and additional felonies related to the incident.
Officer Painter had formerly served as the police chief of the Grottoes Police Department.