Atwood Street pedestrians discuss Oakland’s safety

By DAVEEN RAE KURUTZStaff Writer

The Pitt News approached students walking down Atwood Street, asking them for their reactions… The Pitt News approached students walking down Atwood Street, asking them for their reactions to Matthew Napper’s shooting and their opinions of safety in Oakland.

“I’ve never felt very safe. I’ve always had people walk with me. It just makes you think it could happen to anyone. I mean, [Matthew Napper’s shooter] was just shooting at the ground, and someone got critically injured.” junior Jen Monson.

“I feel safe. S— happens; it’s a college area. There are thousands of people here.” sophomore Ranjan Goswami.

“It doesn’t really bother me. Stuff happens down here. As long as you aren’t doing anything stupid, you’re fine.” sophomore Sam Ahwesh.

“I do feel a little less safe. You think 90 percent of the people here are Pitt students, but there is that other 10 percent that are residents. The odds really aren’t there, but it can happen. That incident was really an opener.” April Tagliaferri.

“I don’t doubt that people will get shot, but I feel safe. I would walk around at 3 a.m. Maybe I’m just naive.” senior Dalene Mohler.