Police searching for Valdosta State University protester Eric Sheppard, linked to handgun on campus

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University is beefing up security as they search for a protester who university officials say law enforcement officials has linked to a handgun found on campus Tuesday afternoon.

A statement from the university Tuesday evening said authorities were searching for an individual identified as Eric Sheppard, who was interviewed by media Monday as a protester following the weekend controversy over a U.S. flag-trampling Friday that was interrupted by a military veteran and former Playboy model who tried to take the flag away from the demonstrators.

According to VSU officials, VSU police, performing extra patrols because of heightened security over the recent protests, found a backpack at 245 p.m. at Odum Library. Inside the backpack, police discovered a handgun that VS officials say “unmistakable evidence” traced to Sheppard.

“Based on that evidence, an independent judge has issued an arrest warrant for Eric Sheppard, who has recently been seen on television as a protester,” a statement from VSU said.

VSU officials said an “extensive search” for Sheppard by law enforcement was unsuccessful and he was considered to be “armed and dangerous.”

Sheppard on Monday made comments blasting whites, Christians and Muslims as protesters counter-demonstrated against the Friday flag desecration.

“There is no evidence at this time to reflect that Sheppard is on university property, and in fact, law enforcement now believes he is in hiding,” the VSU statement said.

University officials are asking anyone with information on Sheppard’s whereabouts to contact VSU police at (229) 333-7816 or 911. VSU officials also stressed that the university was not in lockdown.

Shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday, Valdosta State President William J. McKinney issued a letter to the VSU campus regarding the controversies that have attracted international attention to the school. McKinney stated:

“As a nationally recognized military- and veteran-serving institution, Valdosta State University is, and always will be, proud to serve those who have served our country.

“Nothing will allow our commitment to those brave men and women to waver.

“As a public university, we are also committed to the foundational principles of the very Constitution that our brave service men and women protect. Most important among these principles for an institution of higher learning is the right of free expression guaranteed by the First Amendment.

“On April 17, Valdosta State University stood on the side of the Constitution of the United States of America and its students’ right to express themselves, even in the face of widespread disagreement. We believe in the core principles for which the flag of this great nation stands and will not restrict the protections afforded to all Americans under the First Amendment, including those participating in subsequent peaceful marches and protests.

“That said, individuals are not truly free to learn and to express themselves in an unsafe environment. The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority. Therefore, while we protect peoples’ civil liberties, we will be vigilant in ensuring order is maintained. We are actively monitoring the situation and continue to work closely with local law enforcement. Any action by any individual or group that jeopardizes the safety or disrupts the orderly operations of the university will be dealt with swiftly and justly.

“So, while we respect the strong feelings held by many regarding our nation and its symbols, we also respect the rights of our students, faculty, and staff to express themselves through constitutionally protected symbolic expression in an environment that encourages, rather than discourages, civil debate. The events of April 17, and those in its aftermath, display just such expression.

“In 1989, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in the Texas v. Johnson case that the First Amendment protects symbolic political expression, even with the American flag. As Justice Brennan stated in that decision, “If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable.”

“Public higher education is as old as our Republic, and so are the controversies and disagreements that will inevitably be found on our campuses. VSU will always protect the constitutional rights of our students, faculty, and staff. We will also always serve those brave men and women who swear to defend our Constitution.”