Five people were injured in a shooting at Virginia State University in Virginia early Saturday morning, prompting a temporary lockdown as police responded to the incident and began searching for multiple suspects.
Authorities were called to the area near the university’s Quad Annexes residence halls at about 1:28 a.m. local time. Officers arriving at the scene found five people suffering from gunshot wounds outside the campus housing area. All five victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. One was initially reported to be in critical condition, while the other four suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Virginia State University confirmed that the shooting involved multiple suspects but did not immediately provide details about their identities or what may have led to the violence. No arrests had been announced in the initial reports, and investigators continued working to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The incident created a campus lockdown, with students and others in the university community instructed to remain away from the affected area and follow directions from law enforcement. The lockdown was later lifted, although police maintained a presence on campus while investigators processed the scene.
The investigation is being led by Chesterfield County Police, with assistance from Virginia State University Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have not publicly established a motive or released detailed information about the suspects.
The incidence occurred just days before the start of Virginia State University’s new academic term. The historically Black university, located in Ettrick, Virginia, had recently welcomed new students to campus, with classes scheduled to begin on Monday.
As investigators continue gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses, university officials have urged members of the campus community to remain alert and avoid areas where law enforcement activity is still underway.
Further details, including the identities of those involved and the circumstances that led to the shooting, are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.