Police apprehended a 19-year-old individual who was discovered hiding in a dormitory closet at Virginia State University following an overnight shooting on campus that resulted in five individuals being wounded, including one in critical condition. Camron Harris, a resident of Henrico, Va., is not a student at the university, and likewise, four of the victims were not affiliated with the school, as stated by Chesterfield County Police. The age range of those injured was between 17 and 23, with one 20-year-old victim being a student who has since been discharged from the hospital. Authorities have issued eight felony warrants for Harris, citing charges such as malicious wounding and firearm use during a felony. It is unclear if he has legal representation at this time.
The university previously mentioned that they were looking for multiple suspects, although no further updates were provided by the police by Saturday evening regarding the ongoing search. Law enforcement assured earlier in the day that there was no immediate danger to the campus, resulting in the lifting of the lockdown. The incident, which occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, led to a lockdown on campus as students were preparing for the upcoming academic year.
The shooting took place in the vicinity of the university’s Quad Annexes, where law enforcement found five individuals with gunshot wounds outside the dormitories. The university’s residential facilities had opened a week prior, with classes scheduled to resume on Monday. Many students had recently completed the university’s orientation program for new students.
The university expressed understanding of the anxiety caused by the incident among students, families, alumni, and the wider community, emphasizing the continued focus on student safety and well-being. Enhanced security measures and support services information were communicated to students via email. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office were providing assistance alongside the county police.
Situated in Ettrick, Va., approximately 40 kilometers south of Richmond, Virginia State University is a historically Black institution with an enrollment of around 5,700 students, primarily undergraduates. The university, the first fully state-supported four-year college for Black Americans, has experienced growth while striving to enhance safety and maintain its historic character. Arthur Fridrich, the university’s former director of distance education, remarked on the tragedy of the shooting coinciding with students’ return to campus, expressing sorrow for the affected community members. He conveyed hope for the victims’ recovery and resilience in overcoming the impact of the event on their lives.
