Shooting near Virginia State University campus injures five, one critically
Five people were injured, one of them critically, in a shooting early Saturday outside a residence hall at Virginia State University (VSU) in the United States. University officials said multiple suspects are believed to be involved.
Police responded to the incident near the dormitory at approximately 1:28 a.m. local time (05:28 GMT) on Saturday. All five victims, who sustained gunshot wounds, were taken to local hospitals. Four of the injured were reported to be in stable condition, while one remains in critical condition, according to the university.
It was not immediately clear whether any arrests have been made. The BBC has contacted local police for comment. The university confirmed that a temporary lockdown on the campus has been lifted, but a “significant” law enforcement presence remains on site.
Chesterfield County Police are leading the investigation with assistance from other local law enforcement agencies and campus police, the university said in a statement.
Virginia State University, located about 20 miles south of Richmond, the capital of Virginia, has approximately 5,000 students. It is one of the country's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). These institutions were established to provide higher education to African Americans who, for much of U.S. history, were denied admission to most other colleges and universities due to racial segregation and discrimination.
According to the university's website, classes for the new term were scheduled to begin on Monday, and campus dormitories opened for returning students on Friday. The shooting occurred during a period of student move-in and preparation for the academic year.
The incident adds to a worrying pattern of gun violence at educational institutions across the United States, though details about the motive or circumstances surrounding this specific shooting have not yet been released. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information that could assist the investigation.
Local officials have expressed concern for the victims and their families. Counseling services are expected to be made available to students and staff, although the university has not yet announced specific arrangements. The campus community has been urged to remain vigilant as the investigation continues.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from official sources.
