Butler, city mourn loss of officer

INDIANAPOLIS -- Thousands of Butler University students lined the main road through campus Thursday to say goodbye to a member of the Butler family one last time. A somber week at Butler ended with the funeral procession of Butler Police Officer James Davis through campus. Students gathered as helicopters flew overhead and over 300 police cars rode in the funeral procession to show their respect to a fellow officer. \nDavis, a 1995 graduate of IU, was killed in the line of duty last Friday when he responded to a call that a suspicious man had been watching the women's basketball team practice at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The suspect, Khadir Al-Khattab, 26, shot Davis and then took his gun, fleeing on foot into the Butler neighborhood. Al-Khattab was later shot by officers after a three-hour manhunt. Al-Khattab was pronounced dead later that evening.\nStudents began filling the streets as early as noon for the procession, which began at 2 p.m. Students, faculty and staff wearing black ribbons stood huddled in silent groups to pay tribute to the fallen officer. The 17-minute long funeral procession through Butler stopped in front of a BUPD squad car covered in flowers, and stuffed with Butler Bulldogs and signs. \nBUPD Communications Officer Maurice Woolfolk made one announcement signing Davis off from the force over the police scanners and speakers on Butler's campus.\n"There is no greater love than a police officer who would give his life for another man. Butler Police Officer Davis is 10-42, and he is going home for the final time."\nStudents commented the mood on campus was quiet, and it was noticeable something was different. \nFreshman Kassy Hostetler said the atmosphere on campus changed this week.\n"You can definitely tell that something has happened on campus," Hostetler said. "Everybody here is more aware, especially at nights. We've realized things go on outside our school, and we're not immune to things like this happening to us."\nFreshman Johnanna Marvin said more BUPD officers have been out on campus since Friday.\n"I've noticed some things that have been different since Friday, like I've seen less people walking alone at night," Marvin said. "I've also noticed the BUPD (officers) out much more; there are definitely more cops around."\nThe outpouring of support for Davis on Thursday overwhelmed some who were present on Hampton Drive as the procession went by.\n"I think it's a great outpouring of support for Davis," said Maggie McGlynn, staff member for the Media & Art Department. "This just shows the appreciation and respect for the job the BUPD do for us."\nMarvin was also taken aback by the crowd on hand Thursday. \n"I was surprised at the amount of people out here showing support," she said. "I didn't think there would be this many people. No one is in the hallways of the dorms, everyone is out here. This is pretty amazing. I'm surprised and happy. I think this tragedy woke us all up, unfortunately."\nAllan also said that a representative from National City Bank was on hand Wednesday to collect money for a trust fund for Officer Davis' three children and collected over $10,000. \nMarc Allan, associate director of University Relations at Butler said the amount of students, faculty and staff members who came was tremendous. \n"It was overwhelming. I've been working at Butler for a month, (and) I've just been really amazed, proud and pleased at what they have rallied to do," Allan said. "It was phenomenal to see everyone lined up 2, 3 and 4 deep. It just made you feel good. They always say the Butler family really comes through when it matters, and they certainly did."\nDavis' children are also being awarded full tuition scholarships to attend Butler University.\n"The children will be given full tuition and fees," Allan said. "That is given to all Butler employees, the only requirement is you have to be able to get in Butler."\nAllan said Butler President Bobby Fong told Davis' 8-year-old son, Josiah, about his scholarship to Butler. \nAllan said Davis' son was upset because he didn't want to leave his current school. \nFong told Davis' son "It's OK, Butler will wait for you."\n-- Contact senior writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.