Authorities are investigating a shooting at Virginia State University that occurred early Saturday morning. The incident took place near the university campus dormitories in Ettrick, Virginia, resulting in five people suffering from gunshot wounds. County police arrived to find the victims outside the Quad Annexes. All five individuals were transported to area hospitals for treatment. One person remains in critical condition while the others sustained injuries that are not considered life-threatening.
The university confirmed that the incident involves multiple suspects. Campus police are working with the Chesterfield County Police Department, along with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. The university issued an alert instructing the campus community to avoid the immediate area while the investigation remains active.
This event occurs just days before the start of the fall academic semester. Residence halls opened one week ago to accommodate incoming students for the new school year. Virginia State University serves approximately 5,700 students and holds the distinction of being the first fully state-supported four-year college for Black Americans. Local law enforcement officials have indicated that additional details will be provided as the investigation proceeds throughout the day.