Police apprehended a 19-year-old individual discovered hiding in a dormitory closet at Virginia State University following an overnight shooting incident that resulted in five people sustaining injuries, with one in critical condition. Camron Harris, a resident of Henrico, Virginia, is not affiliated with the university, and neither were four of the injured individuals, as indicated by Chesterfield County Police. The age range of the victims was between 17 and 23, with one of them, a 20-year-old student, already discharged from the hospital. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed.
Law enforcement officials have not disclosed a potential motive for the incident. Eight felony warrants, including charges for malicious wounding and firearm use in a felony, were issued for Harris. It remains unclear if he has legal representation to speak on his behalf.
Initially, the university mentioned the pursuit of multiple suspects, but no further details were provided by the police on Saturday evening regarding this quest. Despite the earlier campus lockdown, authorities stated that there was no imminent danger to the campus community, leading to the lifting of the lockdown.
The shooting transpired shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, prompting the campus lockdown and occurring during the preparation for the upcoming school year.
The occurrence unfolded in the vicinity of the university’s Quad Annexes, where law enforcement officers found five individuals with gunshot wounds outside the dormitories. According to the university’s official website, the residence halls opened a week before the incident, with classes set to recommence on Monday. Many students had recently concluded the university’s orientation program for new students.
The university expressed understanding of the distress caused by the incident among students, parents, alumni, and the broader VSU community, reiterating that student safety and well-being are paramount.
With a significant law enforcement presence on campus on Saturday morning, students were advised to monitor their email for additional safety instructions and information on support services. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office were providing assistance, as reported by county police.
Located in Ettrick, Virginia, approximately 40 kilometers south of Richmond, Virginia State University is a historically Black institution with a student population of about 5,700. The university, the first fully state-supported four-year college for Black Americans, primarily enrolls undergraduate students.
Arthur Fridrich, the university’s former director of distance education, residing near the campus, remarked on the university’s recent growth efforts focusing on safety and heritage preservation. Fridrich expressed sorrow over the shooting occurring as students returned for classes, emphasizing the profound impact on the community. He conveyed hope for the recovery and resilience of the individuals affected by the tragic event.