Police apprehended a 19-year-old individual discovered hiding in a dormitory closet at Virginia State University following an overnight shooting on campus that resulted in five individuals being injured, one of whom sustained critical injuries. Camron Harris, a resident of Henrico, Virginia, is not enrolled as a student at the university, and neither were four of the injured individuals according to a statement from Chesterfield County Police. The age range of the victims was between 17 and 23, with one of them, a 20-year-old student, being discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed.
Law enforcement officials have not disclosed a potential motive for the incident. Harris faces eight felony warrants, including charges for malicious wounding and using a firearm during the commission of a felony. It remains unclear if he has legal representation at this time.
Initially, the university indicated that they were searching for multiple suspects; however, no further details were provided by the police on Saturday evening regarding the ongoing investigation. Earlier in the day, campus authorities stated that there was no immediate threat to the campus community, leading to the removal of the campus lockdown.
The shooting occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Saturday near the university’s Quad Annexes, where five individuals were found with gunshot wounds outside the dormitories by campus police and Chesterfield County officers. The university’s residence halls welcomed students just a week prior, with classes scheduled to resume on Monday. Many students had recently completed the university’s orientation program for incoming students.
In response to the incident, the university expressed concern for the affected individuals and the broader VSU community, emphasizing the priority placed on student safety and well-being. Enhanced safety measures and support services information were communicated to students via email. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, were assisting the county police in the investigation.
Located in Ettrick, Virginia, approximately 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 primarily serves undergraduate students. Arthur Fridrich, the university’s former director of distance education, who resides near the campus, highlighted the growth of the university in recent years as it strives to enhance safety and preserve its historical significance. Fridrich expressed sorrow over the shooting occurring as students prepared for the new academic year, emphasizing the profound impact it may have on the community and the affected individuals.