A shooting incident involving multiple suspects resulted in five individuals being shot at Virginia State University, leading to a campus lockdown in the early hours of Saturday. The incident occurred in the vicinity of the university’s Quad Annexes, with both campus police and Chesterfield County police actively conducting investigations. Upon arrival, county police found five individuals with gunshot wounds outside campus dormitories.
The five victims were promptly taken to hospitals for treatment. County police reported that one of the victims, initially deemed to have life-threatening injuries, has now been upgraded to critical condition. The other victims sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.
The university issued a statement indicating that the shooting involved multiple suspects and advised individuals to steer clear of the immediate area. Both VSU Police and the Chesterfield County Police Department are currently engaged in the investigation and have urged the campus community to abide by law enforcement directives.
Notably, there was a significant law enforcement presence on the campus on Saturday morning. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, were providing assistance as stated by county police. Virginia State Police redirected inquiries to local law enforcement, emphasizing their leadership in the ongoing investigation. Authorities have assured that more details will be disclosed as the day progresses.
Virginia State University, a historically Black institution situated in Ettrick, Va., caters to approximately 5,700 students and holds the distinction of being the first fully state-supported four-year college for Black Americans. The majority of its student body consists of undergraduates.
The unfortunate incident occurred shortly before the commencement of the academic year at Virginia State University. The university’s website reveals that student residence halls were opened a week ago, with classes slated to commence on Monday. Numerous students had recently completed the university’s orientation program, the “New Trojans Experience,” designed for incoming students.