Dear Campus Community, Since we communicated with you on Sunday about our critical missing student, 22-year-old, Dilan Shaan Ashar, we felt it important to reach out again and provide updates. First, we are sharing a video from Dilan’s family (posted below). We encourage everyone to watch and to share to help get the word out. As stated by Dilan’s family, he is without his cell phone, wallet, and any identification. We will continue to do our part. But we need your help in continuing to look for Dilan. Here is a brief investigative update:

The University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) is asking for the community’s help in finding critical missing University of Maryland (UMD) student, 22-year-old, Dilan Shaan Ashar. On October 2, 2026, at approximately 2 a.m., Dilan was leaving his residence. He was last seen wearing a black University of Maryland hooded sweatshirt, grey sweatpants, and white shoes.

UPDATE: Please click here for additional information from a UMD Alert message that was sent on October 4, 2026. The University of Maryland Police Department (UMPD) is asking for the community’s help in finding critical missing University of Maryland (UMD) student, 22-year-old, Dilan Shaan Ashar.

The University of Maryland Police Department charged a suspect in connection to today’s aggravated assault (weapon pointing) incident. The suspect is 40-year-old Christopher Alongzo Garner of Washington, D.C. He is charged with the following: Two Counts of CR 3-203 Assault-SEC Degree One Count of CR 10-201 (c)(2) Disorderly Conduct One Count of CR 3-204 (a)(1) Reckless Endangerment One Count of CR 3-1001 Threat of Mass Violence

The University of Maryland Police Department is saddened to share the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Brian Parham. Brian passed away on September 23, 2026, following a very brief but courageous battle with a recently diagnosed illness. A vital member of our Building Security Services (BSS) Unit for over 25 years, Brian served our community behind the scenes with dedication, professionalism, and kindness. While his illness was only discovered a few weeks ago, his sudden absence leaves a profound void in our hearts and throughout our department.

INCIDENT: Aggravated Assault (Weapon Pointing) OCCURRED: September 29, 2026/ Approximately 9:24 a.m. LOCATION: Union Drive at Alumni Drive, College Park, Maryland 20742 UMPD CASE #: 2026-261877 BRIEF DETAILS: