University of Arizona professor Shot Dead by Former Student: Police

Dr. Thomas Meixner was a professor and the head of the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences before he was allegedly gunned down by a former student on campus

A man is in custody after he allegedly shot and killed a University of Arizona professor at the main Tuscon campus Wednesday afternoon.

In a news conference, University of Arizona Police Chief Paula Balafas said the suspect, 46-year-old Murad Dervish, was arrested by Arizona Department of Public Safety officers at 5:10 p.m. after a traffic stop near Gila Bend.

Balafas said the department received a call around 1:59 p.m. reporting Dervish, a former student, was in the John W. Harshbarger building. He was reportedly not allowed in that building and the caller wanted him escorted out by law enforcement.

While police were en route to the building, officers received two separate reports around 2:06 p.m. of a person shot inside. The shooter was then seen running out the main doors of the building and away from the scene.

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Balafas said the Tuscon Fire Department arrived at 2:13 p.m. and transported the victim, who was identified as a male professor, to Banner University Medical Center. He was pronounced dead in the emergency room.

Late Wednesday night, University of Arizona President Robert Robbins identified the slain professor as Dr. Thomas Meixner, the head of the Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences.

“This incident is a deep shock to our community, and it is a tragedy,” Robbins wrote. “I have no words that can undo it, but I grieve with you for the loss, and I am pained, especially for Tom’s family members, colleagues, and students. I encourage you to have compassion for one another and to care for yourselves and those around you during this difficult time.”

Limited details are available about the shooting, but police said it happened in an office. The relationship, if any, between the professor and the shooter was not disclosed.

During the news conference, Balafas said the shooting “rocked everyone’s world” and really affected the first responders and partners who responded to the scene.

“It’s a tremendously tragic event. We feel so incredibly bad for the professor’s family, friends, and colleagues,” Balafas said. “Our hearts really just go out to them. It’s definitely a tragedy.”

After the shooting, the university asked that all non-essential faculty, staff, and students leave campus or go to their dorms. All remaining in-person classes for the day were canceled.

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