KENNESAW, Ga. — Friends and classmates are mourning the loss of the Kennesaw State University student who was killed on campus Saturday afternoon.
Alasia Franklin was shot and died from her injuries. Cobb County Police arrested Samuel Harris shortly after the incident off campus and booked him into the jail. Harris faces multiple charges.
Students on campus with summer classes underway have different perspectives about what happened. Those who were close to Franklin want to ensure people on campus remember her. Others are concerned about campus safety.
At a makeshift memorial near the site of the shooting, friends have gathered to honor Franklin. Balloons and pictures of the 21-year-old adorn the area, a testament to her impact on those around her.
“She was an amazing classmate,” said Jonathan Lakes. “I often interacted with her before class. She brought light to so many.”
Michael Lewis, who worked with Franklin on a group project, described her as kind and spirited.
“She was such an amazing human being. Her kindness made her death such a shock," he said.
According to the university, Franklin was shot and killed after a dispute in front of the Austin Residence Complex on Saturday afternoon. Harris, who is not a KSU student, was arrested off campus and charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Franklin's family said the two had previously dated.
The campus remained relatively quiet Monday, with few students present for summer courses. Those on campus said they still feel safe but are more aware of potential threats.
“I’m usually alert anyway, but this has heightened my senses,” one student shared. “I typically stay on campus because it’s close to work. Now, I keep a closer watch.”
The school president shared a message from SGA on the X platform Tuesday.
"As the former Senator for Junior Students, Alasia Franklin was a joy to work with and the truest definition of what it means to be a KSU Student Government Senator," the message said. Read more of it below.