Alhaji M. Sow, an 18-year-old sophomore studying aeronautical science at the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), was shot and killed during a confrontation with officers.

Around 10 p.m. on Friday, Melbourne police reported officers were called to the campus after news of the sophomore brandishing a knife and allegedly assaulting students with it.

Authorities report Florida tech campus security confronted Sow inside Roberts Hall, where investigators say he refused to cooperate with their commands and lunged at officers with an "edged weapon."

No one else was seriously injured, with no further threat to campus. As the incident is under active investigation by law enforcement, no additional information is available at this time. (2 of 2)

— Florida Tech (@FloridaTech) December 4, 2021

During the confrontation, the police officer and a security guard reportedly fired their weapons, striking Sow. Despite attempts to save his life, the 18-year-old succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

"My heart goes out to everyone in pain. I mourn any loss of life, while I also remain steadfastly thankful for the men and women who invest their lives in protecting us," FIT President & CEO T. Dwayne McCay, Ph.D., wrote in a statement.

"The safest university campuses are the ones where students, staff, faculty, and others look out for one another. We do that at Florida Tech," McCay affirmed. "I want every member of this university community to know that we will get through this together."

Both FIT and authorities confirmed this was an isolated incident adding there is no longer a threat to anyone on campus. There is also no indication of why Sow allegedly had the weapon, but the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now investigating the case.

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