Davide Giri (SEAS) passed away last night in a fatal attack close to campus.

Editor’s Warning: This article mentions murder and student death.

On Thursday, December 2, Columbia Engineering graduate student Davide Giri was killed while walking near West 123 Street and Amsterdam Avenue. Columbia President Lee Bollinger, Deans Shih-Fu Chang and Soulaymane Kachani of Columbia Engineering, and Dean of Barnard College Leslie Grinage reached out to the student community early Friday morning. Their statements are provided at the end of this article.

President Bollinger sent another email early Friday afternoon, stating that the Columbia community will hold a vigil for Giri at 5 pm today on Butler lawn on the Morningside campus. EVP Dennis Mitchell also stated that Earl Hall and St. Paul’s Chapel will serve as quiet spaces for those who need it from 2-5 pm today.

According to Dean Chang and Senior Vice Dean Kachani, Giri was pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science at Columbia Engineering. His advisor was Professor Luca Carloni, and he focused on “architectures and system-level design methodologies for heterogeneous system-on-chip.” In 2018, he won Columbia’s Andrew P. Kosoresow Memorial Award for Excellence in Teaching and Service. Giri also received his Masters’ of Philosophy in Computer Science at Columbia. He also received his Masters’ of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois, his Masters’ of Science in Electronic Engineering from Politecnico di Torino, and a dual Bachelors’ of Science in Information Technology Engineering from Politecnico di Torino, Politecnico di Milano, and Tongji University (Shanghai).

Bwog followed up with the NYPD to confirm additional information about the attack, present in stories by news outlets NYT, ABC, and CBS. The NYPD confirmed that Giri was stabbed in his abdomen. He was then taken to Mount Sinai hospital and declared dead. The police took a suspect into custody at West 104 Street and Central Park West. The police also recovered the knife that was on the suspect.

The NYPD shared with Bwog that another victim, a 27-year-old male, was found with a stab wound in his abdomen just south of campus at 110 Street and Cathedral Parkway. The victim was then taken to Mount Sinai and is in stable condition.

A link between this victim’s case and Giri’s murder can not be confirmed at this time. Bwog will continue to update this story as the investigation continues.

President Bollinger opened his notice with the aforementioned details of the attack—but said that Columbia has “very few details at this time.” He also iterated that a criminal investigation is underway, and the NYPD has a suspect in custody. The University will continue to work closely with the police at this time and keep Columbia affiliates updated with each development.

Bollinger also encouraged students to lean on their community at this time, citing the counseling resources at Columbia CPS, Barnard Furman Counseling, and Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Bollinger also included resources for religious and international students, saying additional resources can be found through contacting Columbia University Life. He also expressed condolences to Giri’s family.

Dean Shih-Fu Chang and Senior Vice Dean Soulaymane Kachani also expressed condolences in their message, saying that “when we lose a member of our community, we are all affected.” Chang and Kachani are in communication with Giri’s family and ask that students “keep them in [their] thoughts” during this tough time.

Dean Grinage shared Bollinger’s email to Barnard students, echoing his sympathies for the victim’s friends and family. Grinage also said that Barnard will hold listening hours today, December 3 in the Brooks lounge from 3 to 5 pm. These listening hours are for students to “drop in as needed;” no sign-ups are required. She also encouraged students to use the Class Deans, Furman Counseling, Primary Care, Well-Woman, and the after-hours call line. Phone numbers to these resources are provided in her email below. Barnard CARES Associate Vice President Amy Zavaldi also shared that there will be an additional shuttle service from the Barnard main gate to Barnard residence halls beginning tonight from 1 to 7 am “to supplement the via direct service that is available for use…through finals.”

The nearest emergency blue light call box to Giri would have been ​​at 140 Morningside Drive, at West 122 Street in a parking lot. The involvement of Columbia’s Public Safety department in this attack last night is still unconfirmed. Columbia and Barnard students did not receive safety alerts in the form of text or email from Public Safety the night of the attack.

Bwog extends our utmost condolences to Davide’s family, friends, and anyone who knew him. We also encourage students to use the psychological resources provided as they see fit.

This is a developing story—Bwog will continue to update this article as more information comes to light. Bwog has reached out to Columbia Communications for more information.

Update made on Friday, December 3 at 10:02 am: This article has been updated to include Dean Chang and Vice Dean Kachani’s statement.

Update made on Friday, December 3 at 1:50 pm: This article has been updated to include information about the Friday evening vigil Friday afternoon reflection spaces.

Update made on Friday, December 3 at 3:05 pm: This article has been updated to include information about the increased NYPD presence in Morningside Park and increased Public Safety patrols deployed due to the attack last night.

Update made on Friday, December 3 at 3:38 pm: This article has been updated to include Barnard CARES Associate Vice President Amy Zavadil’s statement and information about additional Barnard shuttle times.

Update made on Friday, December 3 at 4:21 pm: This article has been updated to include Dean of Undergraduate Student Life Cristen Kromm’s statement.

Email from Columbia President Lee C. Bollinger, sent to students on Friday, December 3 at 7:24 am:

Dear fellow members of the Columbia community:

I write with great sorrow to share the tragic news that Davide Giri, a graduate student at the School of Engineering and Applied Science, was killed in a violent attack near campus on Thursday night. We have very few details at this time, but we understand that the student was assaulted while walking in the vicinity of 123rd and Amsterdam Avenue. The criminal investigation is ongoing and police have a suspect in custody.  

This news is both unspeakably sad and deeply shocking, as it took place only steps from our campus. The University is working closely with NYPD to learn more details of the attack and, of course, we will keep you updated as we learn more.

These are moments when being in a community really matters. I, therefore, encourage you to seek out and be with others, who will need you as much as you need them. Also, please take advantage of the many University resources that can provide comfort and support. Counselors and specialists on the Columbia Morningside, Barnard, and Columbia University Irving Medical Center campuses, as well as pastoral counseling through the Office of Religious Life, are always and readily available. International students also can seek help and referrals through the International Students and Scholars Office. Additional resources will be found through contacting University Life. 

On behalf of the entire Columbia community, I send my deepest condolences to Davide’s family.

Sincerely,

Lee C. Bollinger

Email from Dean of Barnard College Leslie Grinage, sent to Barnard students on Friday, December 3 at 7:54 am:

Dear Barnard Students,

I write to inform you that, early this morning, we learned of the tragic death of Davide Giri, a Columbia University graduate student in the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. Below you can find the email Columbia just sent out.

We join the entire Columbia University community in mourning this horrible loss and

encourage you to connect with and support one another.

We will hold listening hours today from 3-5 p.m. in the lounge of Brooks Hall; sign-ups are not necessary and you can drop in as needed.

Below are additional resources available to you:

Dean’s Office for Advising and Support (Class Deans): 105 Milbank Hall, (212) 854-2024

Furman Counseling Center: 100 Hewitt Hall, (212) 854-2092

Primary Care Health Services: Brooks Hall, Lower Level, (212) 854-2091

Well-Woman: 119 Reid Hall, (212) 854-3063

After-hours psychological emergency line: (855) 622-1903

Please know that we are here for you and encourage you to reach out to us during this time.

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Davide and to the entire Columbia University community.

Sincerely

Leslie Grinage

Dean of the College

Email from Columbia Engineering Dean Shih-Fu Chang and Senior Vice Dean Soulaymane Kachani sent to SEAS students on Friday, December 3 at 7:15 am:

Dear Columbia Engineering Students,

It is with tremendous grief that we write with some very difficult news for our community. Davide Giri, a PhD student in Computer Science, was killed last night while walking near 123rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue.

Davide was advised by Professor Luca Carloni and worked on architectures and system-level design methodologies for heterogeneous system-on-chip, with particular focus on hardware accelerators. He won Columbia’s Andrew P. Kosoresow Memorial Award for Excellence in Teaching and Service in 2018.

Davide received his M.Phil in Computer Science from Columbia in 2020, his MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2015, his MSc in Electronic Engineering from Politecnico di Torino in 2014, and a dual BSc in Information Technology Engineering from Politecnico di Torino, Politecnico di Milano, and Tongji University (Shanghai) in 2012.

We are in contact with his family to provide support and assistance during this difficult time.

When we lose a member of our community, we are all affected. Regardless of whether you are near or far from campus, please remember that Columbia resources are always available to provide you or your friends with support; these resources can be found below. It is especially important at terrible times like these that we all reach out to each other.

Please take care of yourself and those around you. We know that all of you join us in sending our deepest condolences to Davide’s family and friends, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts in the days ahead.

Sincerely,

Shih-Fu Chang

Interim Dean, Columbia Engineering

Soulaymane Kachani

Senior Vice Dean, Columbia Engineering

Resources for Students

Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) can be accessed for 24/7 phone support available through on-call service, which is accessed by calling (212) 854-2878 and following the recorded directions.

The Office of Religious Life can be reached for spiritual counseling at (646) 906-5913 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. ET and by appointment after hours and during the weekends). For those on campus, Earl Hall and Saint Paul’s Chapel are open from 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, for prayer and reflection.

Assistant Dean Yannick Brookes (ylb2102@columbia.edu) is available to offer support and guidance through the Dean’s Office. Undergraduate students currently on campus can reach out to their Resident Adviser (RA), Graduate Hall Director (GHD) or Residence Hall Director (RHD).

Email from Executive Vice President for University Life Dennis Mitchell and Dean Chang, sent to students on Friday, December 3 at 12:50 pm:

Dear Columbia Community Members,

As we begin to mourn the loss of Davide Giri, who was taken from our community and the world far too soon, we write to share additional support resources available today.


In addition to the candlelight vigil at 5 PM on Butler Lawn, south of the Sundial, the University is hosting quiet reflection spaces this afternoon from 2-5 PM in Earl Hall and in St. Paul’s Chapel for those who would like to come together to remember Davide. Chaplain Davis, and staff from Religious Life, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and University Life will be available for those who may need additional support.

Davide’s death is a devastating loss for our community, and we mourn with his family and friends here and abroad. Please support each other in this difficult time – reach out to your friends and family for comfort. Please also remember that Columbia’s extensive resources remain available to you.

Counseling and Psychological Services will extend its hours until 7 PM this evening, with drop-in hours at 5 Lerner Hall from 5-7 PM. After 7 PM, phone support is available by calling 212-854-2878 and following the recorded directions.

You can always reach out to your Dean of Students, and other campus resources, including:


Sincerely,


Dennis A. Mitchell
Executive Vice President for University Life
Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement
Professor of Dental Medicine at CUMC

Shih-Fu Chang
Interim Dean of the Fu Foundation School for Engineering and Applied Science
Richard Dicker Professor

Email from Vice President for Public Safety James F. McShane, sent to students on Friday, December 3 at 2:49 pm:

To the Columbia Community:

We join the entire Columbia community in mourning the tragic loss of Davide Giri. As we mourn as a community, it is also natural to think about safety. I write to emphasize the resources available to you and describe safety measures that are in place.

Enhanced Security

Starting today, in response to last night’s attack, the New York Police Department will temporarily provide an increased police presence after 7pm in Morningside Park. In addition, the number of enforcement officers currently assigned by the  Parks Department to the park every day from 10am to 10pm will be supplemented.

The Columbia University Department of Public Safety has added extra safety patrols. Additional foot patrols are operating on sections of Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue, and additional vehicle patrols are dedicated to Morningside Drive and the perimeter of Morningside Park.

In an Emergency

As is always the case, if you are in immediate danger on or near campus, call Public Safety (Morningside: 212-854-5555; Manhattanville: 212-853-3333; CUIMC: 212-305-7979.) Off campus, call New York City emergency services at 911.

Getting Around Safely

Columbia Transportation and Public Safety have partnered with VIA Rideshare to provide free and safe alternatives to walking alone at night. Learn more about how this service works, the coverage area, the service hours currently beginning at 4 p.m. each day adjusted for seasonal daylight, and how to download the app and get a unique promo code (UNI login required) to get started.

Additionally, the Intercampus Shuttle runs Monday to Friday (excluding University holidays) from 6:30 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. and additional service on Saturdays, providing service to an expanded geography. For routes, maps and information on additional shuttles, visit Columbia’s Transportation website.

Columbia’s App for Public Safety – LionSafe

Please download the LionSafe app that makes all of Public Safety’s services available at the tap of your finger. The app allows users to request emergency services, and includes other useful features such as maps, shuttle schedules, and Friend Walk, which allows you to send your location to a friend in real-time so they can track you virtually as you walk to your destination.

Safety Awareness Opportunities this Month

Being mindful of what is present and happening around you is critically important and can help keep you safe. Please consider joining a situational awareness skills training to learn actionable tips to protect your personal safety in threatening situations. There are two virtual trainings this month:

Neighborhood Safe Havens

Public Safety partners with neighborhood merchants to provide Safe Havens in the Morningside, Manhattanville, and Medical Center communities. Participating businesses display a Red Lion logo in their window. If you enter these businesses, the merchant will assist you in phoning Columbia University’s Department of Public Safety or the police and will allow you to wait safely for security personnel to respond.

Emergency Call Boxes

The Public Safety Departments of Columbia, Barnard, and Teachers College collectively maintain Blue Light Emergency Call Boxes at locations within and surrounding the greater campus area. The call boxes connect directly to Columbia’s or one of our affiliate’s public safety departments if you are in need of help or feel threatened in any way.

Emergency Text Messaging

Please sign up for emergency text updates to receive real-time notifications of emergency events on or near campus. 

Additional Resources

Consult the Public Safety website for additional guidance on personal safety and the crime prevention programs available.

As always, you can contact us for emergency and non-emergency issues:

Morningside Campus:

Non-emergency: 212-854-2797  Emergency: 212-854-5555

Manhattanville Campus:

Non-emergency: 212-853-3301  Emergency: 212-853-3333

Medical Center Campus:

Non-emergency: 212-305-8100  Emergency: 212-305-7979

The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff remains our top priority. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Davide Giri and the School of Engineering and Applied Science and larger Columbia community on this unspeakable loss.

James F. McShane

Email from Barnard CARES Associate Vice President Amy Zavadil, sent to students on Friday, December 3 at 3:12 pm:

Dear Barnard Community,

Along with the entire community, we mourn the tragic death of Columbia University graduate student Davide Giri. As we come together to support one another, I wanted to remind and update you on our safety resources.  

As you know, Barnard Community Accountability, Response, and Emergency Services (CARES) is here to support students, faculty and staff in a number of ways which span safety and transportation resources.

Safety Contacts

Community Safety can be reached through a 24-hour emergency line: (212) 854-6666 if you are in need of immediate assistance or are in danger on campus.

Our non-emergency Response Team can be reached at (212) 854-3362. The CARES Line provides consultation and referral services from 8am until 11:30pm daily. This line is answered by Community Safety during the overnight hours.

Transportation

We partner with Via to provide on-demand transportation service as an alternative to walking alone at night. Via service hours were expanded to account for the shorter days earlier this month. Service now begins at 4pm and provides corner-to-corner service until 8pm, which becomes point-to-point service within the Columbia coverage map from 8pm-3am.

As an additional option for shuttle service from the Barnard main gate to Barnard residence halls, the Community Safety van will be staffed beginning tonight from 1am-7am to supplement the via direct service that is available for use as described above, through finals.

Additional Safety Resources

The Columbia University Department of Public Safety has added extra safety patrols. Continuous foot patrols are operating on sections of Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue, and additional vehicle patrols are dedicated to Morningside Drive and the perimeter of Morningside Park.

We have also been in touch directly with the New York Police Department who will temporarily provide an increased police presence in the Columbia University neighborhood.

Finally, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the following resources found on the CARES website:

As Dean Grinage mentioned earlier today, we are holding listening hours from 3-5pm in the lounge of Brooks Hall. I look forward to seeing some of you there.

Together,

Amy Zavadil

Associate Vice President,

Community Accountability, Response & Emergency Services (CARES)

Email from Dean of Undergraduate Student Life Cristen Kromm sent to CC and SEAS students on Friday, December 3 at 3:40 pm:

Dear Columbia College and Columbia Engineering Community,

This has been a difficult day. The death of Davide Giri, an Engineering graduate student, is a shocking incident that each of us will need to process and reflect on in our own way, as well as together as a community. Senseless violence and loss of life are an affront to our community values, and when a tragedy like this occurs, we are reminded of the importance of offering comfort and support to one another.

It is natural to feel upset and fearful in response to such a terrible tragedy. I encourage you to seek support if you need it. Counseling and Psychological Services will stay open from 5 – 7 p.m. this evening for walk-in hours on the 5th floor of Lerner Hall. After 7 p.m., phone support is available 24/7 by calling CPS at 212-854-2878. You can also reach out to the Nightline peer listening service at 212-854-7777 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. whether you’re looking for resources or just someone to talk to.

Public Safety has shared a number of resources available to members of the community, but I encourage you to take advantage of the free on-demand evening shuttle service available to all students for travel at night, and to attend the upcoming situational awareness training on Monday, December 13, which covers a variety of actionable strategies for safeguarding your personal safety.

In addition, remember the precautions you can each try to take in a city environment. When walking in public, put your phone away to be alert to your surroundings, travel with others when possible and especially late at night, and let friends or family know where you are going and when to expect you.

My heart aches for Davide’s family, friends and classmates. I grieve for his loss and know each of you will respond in your own way. Consider joining the community at tonight’s candlelight vigil at 5 p.m. on Butler Lawn, or take advantage of quiet reflection spaces from 2-5 p.m. today in Earl Hall and St. Paul’s Chapel. Throughout the weekend, you can also reach out to your RA, who can connect you with the professional Residence Hall Director (RHD) on-call.
 

In Community,

Cristen Kromm

Butler Library via Bwog Archives