A student has been charged with armed criminal action, first-degree assault and two firearms violations Wednesday for shooting a Financial Aid Administrator
Sean Johnson a 34-year-old part-time student at the Stevens Institute of Business & Art shot financial aid director Greg Elsenrath after the two engaged in a heated argument about Johnson's financial aid. Johnson first shot Elsenrath in the chest and then shot himself.
The two were admitted to a nearby hospital and underwent surgery. While no news about Johnson's condition has been revealed after the surgery, a post on the school's Facebook page revealed that Elsenrath's surgery was successful and he's expected to fully recover fully.
"This unimaginable act of violence has proved the strength of our bonds as a Siba family and we intend to come out of this event with those bonds intact and stronger than ever," the Facebook post said.
The shooting took place in Elsenrath's office on the fourth floor of the building. Police found Johnson on the staircase between the third and fourth floor with a gun wound on his side. Elsenrath was found near an elevator near his office, probably trying to get help.
The shooting, according the police, created quite a "chaotic scene" in the school with more than 40 children and staff trying to leave the five-floor building.
A representative for Johnson said he hasn't hired a lawyer. This is not the first time Johnson was involved in this type of situation, a report by ABC News reports. In 2009 he tried slashing a taxi driver with a box cutter. Johnson was sentenced to a five years probation and was required to undergo treatment for mental illness.
Many staff members have not yet returned to school and the school has announced that it will remain closed until January 22.
