Police identify 2 suspects in Diné College fire; school shares rebuilding plans
TSAILE, AZ (AZFamily) — Two suspects have been identified in a devastating fire that ripped through one of the buildings at Diné College on the Navajo Nation in northeast Arizona.
While their names have not been released, authorities confirmed they know who the suspects are and one has been arrested. College officials say that access to the impacted area remains restricted.
Diné College Acting President Glennita Haskey shared plans for reconstructing the Student Union Building on Monday, saying the project will be completed in phases. Assessments of the damage and document retrieval are set to begin next month. The reconstruction is anticipated to be completed by October 2026.
“Rebuilding the Student Union Building is not just about replacing a structure,” Haskey said. “It represents our resilience and our dedication to providing the best resources and opportunities for our students to thrive.”
The college says it has implemented support services, including counseling, to help students and staff during this difficult time. The Tsaile campus officially reopened on Monday, following a traditional cleansing ceremony. “It’s essential that everyone feels supported during this time,” Haskey said.
With concerns rising about campus safety, college officials say they will review evacuation plans, improve communication strategies, update lockdown procedures and enhance on-campus security.
The college says key events like the May graduation ceremony remain on track. For more information on the 2025 graduation plans, click/tap here.
Diné College thanked all first responders and local authorities who came to the school’s aid in this emergency, saying “Each exemplified immediate call to action that controlled and prevented the fire from spreading across campus, rendered aid and safety to the College community, and demonstrated effective network with our Incident Commander. For this, our institution extends a heartfelt thank you to each of you who assisted and continue to assist our college on the road to recovery.”
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