Man Arrested for Bringing Rifle, Ammunition to Syracuse University Campus

22-year-old Connecticut resident Mateu Healey-Parera charged with criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Syracuse Police Department plans to release additional information regarding the arrest of a 22-year-old Connecticut man charged with bringing a gun onto the Syracuse University campus. Court documents state that Mateu Healey-Parera had a rifle with a scope and two boxes of ammunition in his backpack, and he was aware he was in possession of the weapon. Healey-Parera was arrested on Saturday afternoon near the Schine Student Center and is facing charges of criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds.

Why it matters

The incident raises concerns about campus safety and security, as well as the potential risks posed by individuals bringing firearms onto university grounds. Syracuse University has strict policies prohibiting weapons on campus, and this arrest highlights the need for vigilance and effective security measures to protect students, faculty, and staff.

The details

According to court documents, Mateu Healey-Parera, a 22-year-old Connecticut resident, was found in possession of a rifle with a scope and two boxes of ammunition in his backpack. Police arrested him around 4 p.m. on Saturday near the Schine Student Center on the Syracuse University campus. Healey-Parera is charged with criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds, a serious offense that could result in significant penalties.

  • Healey-Parera was arrested around 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2026.
  • The Syracuse Police Department plans to hold a press conference at 12 p.m. today to provide additional information about the incident.

The players

Mateu Healey-Parera

A 22-year-old Connecticut resident who was arrested for bringing a rifle and ammunition onto the Syracuse University campus.

Syracuse Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested Healey-Parera and plans to hold a press conference to provide more details about the incident.

Syracuse University

The university where the incident occurred, which has strict policies prohibiting weapons on campus.

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What’s next

The Syracuse Police Department will hold a press conference at 12 p.m. today to provide additional information about the arrest and the charges against Mateu Healey-Parera.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of campus security and the need for vigilance to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff. It also underscores the serious consequences that can arise from individuals bringing weapons onto university grounds, which is a clear violation of school policies.