At Virginia State University, a shooting on Saturday morning resulted in five individuals being shot, with one in critical condition. University officials and the VSU Police Department provided these details.
Police arrested 19-year-old Camron Harris from Henrico, Virginia. He was found hiding in a dormitory closet on campus, according to reports from The Associated Press. Chesterfield County Police stated that Harris is not a VSU student. Authorities have issued eight felony warrants related to the case, including charges of malicious wounding and the use of a firearm in a felony.
Initial reports note that five people aged 17 to 23 were injured, with one being a VSU student aged 20.
The shooting occurred near the school’s Quad Annexes student housing. The victims were outside VSU residence halls when officers responded to the gunfire at 1:28 a.m. All were taken to local hospitals; four have non-life-threatening injuries, while one remains in critical condition. Among those injured, four are not VSU students.
VSU Police reported a significant law enforcement presence on campus. They mentioned multiple suspects were involved, but no further arrests have been made. Authorities have not revealed any potential motives for the attack or given additional information on whether other suspects are being sought.
Virginia State University, a historically Black college located in Ettrick, approximately 25 miles south of Richmond, lifted the initial lockdown on campus. As classes for the fall semester are scheduled to start soon, the university emphasized the measures being taken to ensure student safety. Communication regarding safety protocols and support resources has been shared with students via email.
Reaction to the tragic events was widespread. Democratic Virginia House of Delegates member Rozia A. Henson Jr., a VSU alumnus, expressed his sympathy for the victims on social media. Additionally, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger offered her condolences to the VSU community, acknowledging the response efforts of first responders and law enforcement personnel.
The investigation is being conducted by the Chesterfield County Police Department with help from VSU police, U.S. Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact Chesterfield County Police at 804-748-1251, Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660, or VSU police at 804-524-5411.