Students admit respionsibility for BB shooting

U. officials kick pair off campus Two students admitted to firing a BB gun at the window of a 16th floor High Rise East apartment last Thursday night, according to Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta. Moneta could not by law disclose the identities of the two students, but he did say that one is a senior and the other a sophomore. A total of 14 shots hit the bedroom windows of the suite on Wednesday and Thursday. At the time, Latin American Living Program Director Gons Nachman said he thought the shootings were racially motivated. But Moneta said last night that the students were allegedly acquainted with the occupants of the room and were "attempting to get their attention, not to scare or harm them." College senior Oreste Ramos, a resident of the targeted room, confirmed this. "We know the guy," he said. "He is our friend and no way did he intend any harm." The students said they were unaware that they were causing damage and frightening the residents until they say the article in last Friday's Daily Pennsylvanian, Moneta said. He said although there was not "deliberate or racial motivation," the University has taken "very deliberate and very harsh steps" in response to the shooting. He added that the University's policy on weapon use is firm -- it will not be tolerated. Moneta said the students were notified Friday that they had to find somewhere else to stay for the weekend. They were prohibited from entering any University residence halls until today, he added. "[Today] they will be expelled from University residences," he said. "And they will need to find permanent housing off campus." Moneta added that, in accordance with University policy, he personally placed the students on "temporary leave from the University." While on temporary leave, the students may not attend classes or be on University property, he said. In addition, the students were notified that the University would bring a complaint to the Department of Public Safety and request that they "pursue any criminal charges appropriate to the behavior," Moneta said. The timeline for resolution will depend on the speed that the Student Dispute Resolution Center can initiate the judicial processes, he added. "It is our intent to request that they expedite judicial proceedings so that [the students] can know their future at the University as soon as possible," he said. Ramos said he and his roommates commend the students for "having the guts for telling the truth." "At least [they] had the courage to accept the fact that [they] did make a mistake," he said. "[They] told the truth," Ramos added. "We all make mistakes. [They] had no desire to inflict any harm to anyone or any property. By telling the truth, I see it as being very commendable." University Police officials could not be reached for comment last night. Daily Pennsylvanian Staff Writer Joshua Fineman contributed to this article.