CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Friday marks two years since a deadly shooting rocked the UNC Charlotte campus. A student opened fire, killing two classmates, injuring four others and changing countless lives. 

What You Need To Know

  • April 30, 2021 marks two years since a deadly shooting at UNC Charlotte

  • A student opened fire in a classroom, killing two classmates and injuring four others

  • The shooter pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole

  • PREVIOUS COVERAGE: UNC Charlotte Shooting

Matt Hoots was a student at UNC Charlotte at the time and says he remembers every detail of that day. He had started his morning studying for his final exams. 

“My group, we all met up in the library and we practiced our presentation. What roles we were going to give, and I printed out my notecards and what I was going to say in the speech,” Hoot said. 

When Hoots went to his anthropology class, he was reviewing last minute notes. Then, the unthinkable happened. 

“Right after the intro of their presentation started, it was the sound of if someone lit of M4 or a firecracker in the room,” Hoots said. “It took my brain a good minute to realize what exactly was going on. When the smell of gunpowder … I recognized it and I knew exactly …. I said 'holy crap. I know what’s going on.'”

One of Hoots’ classmates opened fire inside the classroom and Hoots ran for his life. 

“I came running into that parking deck, through the sidewalk. There’s a direct entrance into it. Immediately got in my car because I’m not sure what’s going on. I see people running up and down this sidewalk over here.”

Hoots left his cellphone in the classroom, but was able to drive to a nearby gas station to call his family. Hoots says he is working on his path toward healing, and knows the events of that day have changed him forever. 

UNC Charlotte is holding a day of remembrance for students and staff. Classes are cancelled and there is a virtual remembrance program Friday evening at 5:15 p.m.