Police are searching for multiple suspects after five people were shot outside campus dormitories at Virginia State University early on Saturday morning.
None of the victims were killed in the 1.30am gunfire, but one person remained in critical condition in hospital after initially sustaining life-threatening injuries, according to county police.
The four other victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries. University officials confirmed that at least one of the wounded was a student, who has since been released from hospital.
Campus police and Chesterfield County officers discovered all five victims suffering from gunshot wounds in the university's Quad Annexes outside student residence halls. Neither law enforcement nor university officials have publicly identified any of the victims.
Ongoing investigation and campus security
No information regarding the shooters was released, and authorities indicated there was no sign police had identified any suspects. However, police later stated they did not believe there was an immediate threat to the campus community, allowing an initial lockdown to be lifted.
"VSU Police will maintain an increased presence on campus as the investigation continues," the university said in a statement released early on Saturday.
University officials advised students to monitor their university email for additional safety measures currently in effect and available support resources. Members of the campus community were also asked to remain mindful of ongoing law enforcement activity and avoid the immediate area where investigators are processing the scene.
Campus arrival and previous shootings
The shooting occurred as Virginia State University prepares for the start of the new academic year. Residence halls opened for students a week ago, and classes are scheduled to resume on Monday.
Hours before the gunfire broke out, many incoming students had completed the university's "New Trojans Experience" orientation program. During the event, students received university pins and attended a speech by former NFL quarterback Cam Newton.
Virginia State University, a historically Black university in Chesterfield County, Virginia, has experienced previous shooting incidents in recent years. Five people were wounded in three separate attacks on campus in 2023, while another shooting near campus last year left one person wounded and one dead.
Reactions from state leaders
The violence drew immediate reactions from Virginia elected officials, who expressed dismay and offered support for the wounded victims and the university community.
"Virginia State University is my alma mater. Waking up to this news is heartbreaking," Rozia Henson, a Democratic Party member of the Virginia House of Delegates, said. "My prayers are with everyone affected this morning, with their families, and with the entire Trojan family. VSU, we are with you."
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger also called for a swift recovery for those injured while praising emergency responders. "Adam and I are praying for a quick recovery for those who were shot this morning at Virginia State University, and our thoughts are with the VSU community," Spanberger said. "Thank you to the first responders and law enforcement who responded to the scene."
