Police apprehended a 19-year-old individual who was discovered hiding in a dormitory closet at Virginia State University on Saturday following an overnight shooting on campus that resulted in five individuals being wounded, with one in critical condition.
Camron Harris, a resident of Henrico, Va., is not enrolled as a student at the university, and similarly, four of the injured individuals were not affiliated with the institution, as confirmed by Chesterfield County Police. The wounded individuals’ ages ranged from 17 to 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 has not disclosed any potential motives behind the incident. Harris faces eight felony warrants, including charges for malicious wounding and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. It remains unclear whether he has legal representation at this time.
While the university previously mentioned the search for multiple suspects, no further details were provided by the police on Saturday evening. The campus lockdown was lifted earlier in the day after authorities reassured that there was no immediate danger to the campus community.
The shooting occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Saturday and led to a lockdown on campus, coinciding with students’ preparations for the new academic year. The incident took place in proximity to the university’s Quad Annexes, where campus police and Chesterfield County officers found five individuals with gunshot wounds outside the dormitories.
According to the university’s official website, student residences were opened a week prior, with classes scheduled to resume on Monday. Many students had recently completed the university’s orientation program for incoming students, known as the “New Trojans Experience.”
In response to the incident, the university assured stakeholders that student safety remains the utmost priority. The campus witnessed a heightened law enforcement presence on Saturday morning, with authorities advising students to monitor their emails for updates on safety protocols and available support services. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, were aiding in the investigation, as stated by county police.
Situated in Ettrick, Va., roughly 40 kilometers south of Richmond, Virginia State University is a historically Black institution with around 5,700 students. Established as the first fully state-supported four-year college for Black Americans, the university predominantly serves undergraduates and has seen growth in recent years while emphasizing safety enhancements and preserving its historical significance.
Arthur Fridrich, the university’s former director of distance education residing near the campus, expressed sorrow over the shooting, particularly as it coincided with the start of the academic year. Fridrich conveyed his hope for the victims’ recovery and emphasized the impact such events can have on the student community.
The tragic incident has cast a shadow on the university community, with concerns raised among students, parents, alumni, and supporters. The university continues to provide updates and support to ensure the well-being of its students during this challenging time.