Police apprehended a 19-year-old individual discovered concealed in a dormitory closet at Virginia State University on Saturday in connection with a shooting incident on campus that resulted in five individuals being injured, with one sustaining critical wounds. Camron Harris from Henrico, Virginia, is not affiliated with the university, and four of the injured individuals were also not students, as confirmed by Chesterfield County Police. The victims, aged between 17 and 23, have not been identified, except for a 20-year-old student who has been discharged from the hospital.
Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the incident. Harris faces eight felony warrants, including charges of malicious wounding and using a firearm during a felony. It remains unclear if he has legal representation at this time.
Although the university initially indicated a search for multiple suspects, no further details were provided by the police on Saturday. Law enforcement assured that there was no immediate danger to the campus, and the lockdown was lifted. The shooting occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, unsettling students as they prepared for the new academic term.
The shooting took place near the Quad Annexes, where law enforcement found five individuals with gunshot injuries. The university’s residence halls were opened a week prior, and classes were set to resume on Monday. The institution emphasized its commitment to student safety and well-being.
Virginia State University, located in Ettrick, Virginia, approximately 40 kilometers south of Richmond, is a historically Black university with around 5,700 students. The university has been working on enhancing safety measures while preserving its historical significance. The incident deeply impacted the community, particularly with students returning for classes, according to Arthur Fridrich, a former university official.
Fridrich expressed sadness over the event, highlighting the emotional toll it may have on students and urging those affected to heal and not let the incident define their lives. The university has been striving to provide support and guidance to its students in the aftermath of the shooting.