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More information has emerged about the arrest of Mateu Healey-Parera, a 22-year-old Cornell University student, who was found with a rifle at Syracuse University on Saturday (March 7). Healey-Parera was waiting for a bus back to Ithaca when authorities took him into custody.
According to a statement by Syracuse University's Department of Public Safety, Healey-Parera was carrying a bolt-action rifle with a scope and 40 rounds of ammunition. The rifle was reportedly in a tan-colored soft case, typically used for long guns. Healey-Parera, who is from Mansfield Center, Connecticut, has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds—a felony in New York.
During a press conference on Monday, Syracuse Police Chief Mark Rusin stated that the investigation is ongoing and that the motive for Healey-Parera's actions remains unclear. Rusin mentioned that the rifle was purchased recently, but further details are still being investigated.
An extreme risk protection order was secured by Syracuse University Police, allowing law enforcement to search Healey-Parera's residence. If released on bail, Healey-Parera will be transferred to a local hospital under mental health guidelines. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 13 in Syracuse City Court.
Cornell University has expressed concern over the incident, with Vice President for University Relations Kyle Kimball thanking the swift actions of the Syracuse University DPS and SPD. The university has encouraged its community to access available resources for support.
The Syracuse Police Department, along with the Ithaca Police Department, the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and Cornell University, are all involved in the ongoing investigation.