Police apprehended a 19-year-old individual discovered concealing in a dormitory closet at Virginia State University on Saturday in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on campus overnight, resulting in five individuals sustaining injuries, with one in critical condition. Camron Harris, a resident of Henrico, Va., is not affiliated with the university, and neither were four of the injured individuals, as confirmed by Chesterfield County Police. The injured individuals, aged between 17 and 23, include a 20-year-old student who has been discharged from the hospital. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed.
No details regarding a potential motive have been provided by authorities. Harris faces eight felony warrants, including charges for malicious wounding and using a firearm during a felony. It remains unclear whether he has legal representation at this time.
While the university had initially reported a search for multiple suspects, no further updates were provided by the police on Saturday evening. Earlier in the day, university officials stated that law enforcement did not perceive an immediate threat to the campus community, resulting in the lifting of the campus lockdown that was initiated in response to the shooting, which occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. Saturday.
The incident transpired in the vicinity of the Quad Annexes on the campus, where campus police and Chesterfield County officers found five individuals with gunshot wounds outside dormitories. The university’s residential halls began accommodating students a week ago, with classes scheduled to resume on Monday. Many students had just completed the university’s orientation program for new students.
In response to the event, the university emphasized the safety and well-being of its students as the top priority. Enhanced law enforcement presence was noted on campus on Saturday morning, with students advised to monitor their emails for updates on safety protocols and information about available support services. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, were enlisted to provide assistance, according to county police.
Situated in Ettrick, Va., approximately 40 kilometers south of Richmond, Virginia State University stands as a historically Black institution, serving around 5,700 students. As the first fully state-supported four-year college for Black Americans, the university primarily caters to undergraduate students. The campus has seen growth in recent years while striving to enhance safety measures and preserve its historical significance, noted Arthur Fridrich, the university’s former director of distance education. Fridrich expressed sorrow over the shooting occurring at the start of the academic year, emphasizing the emotional impact on the community and students.