Police apprehended a 19-year-old individual who was discovered hiding in a closet within a dormitory at Virginia State University on Saturday following an overnight shooting on the campus that resulted in five individuals 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 confirmed by Chesterfield County Police. The age range of the victims was between 17 and 23, with one 20-year-old student, who has since been discharged from the hospital. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the victims.
The motive behind the incident remains undisclosed, with police issuing eight felony warrants against Harris, including charges for malicious wounding and utilizing a firearm during a felony. It is unclear whether Harris has legal representation at this time. Earlier reports from the university mentioned a search for multiple suspects, but no further details were provided by law enforcement on Saturday. Campus officials had earlier reassured the community that there was no immediate threat following the shooting, prompting the lifting of the campus lockdown.
The shooting occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, leading to heightened security measures and a lockdown as students prepared for the upcoming academic year. The incident transpired close to the Quad Annexes of the university, where campus security and Chesterfield County officers attended to five individuals with gunshot wounds outside the dormitories. The university’s residential facilities had opened a week prior, with classes set to resume on Monday, following the conclusion of the “New Trojans Experience” for new students.
Acknowledging the distress caused by the event, Virginia State University emphasized the safety and well-being of its students as a top priority. The campus saw an increased presence of law enforcement on Saturday morning, with students advised to monitor their emails for further safety directives and support resources. Assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, alongside the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, was confirmed by county police.
Situated in Ettrick, Virginia, approximately 40 kilometers south of Richmond, Virginia State University is a historically Black institution with around 5,700 enrolled students. Established as the first fully state-supported four-year college for Black Americans, the university predominantly caters to undergraduate students. In recent years, the university has experienced growth while striving to enhance safety measures and preserve its historical significance. A local resident and former university official expressed sorrow over the shooting, particularly as students returned for classes, highlighting the impact on the community and urging healing for those affected.