In brief
At around 1:28 a.m. local time, a shooting outside dormitories at Virginia State University injured five people, one critically. Police confirmed that more than one gunman was involved, but have not yet arrested anyone. The campus, a historically black college with 5,000 students, lifted a temporary lockdown after evacuating the dorms and will resume classes next Monday. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and the university stresses that the wounded students are receiving care.
In a tragic late‑night incident, five students and staff were struck by gunfire outside the residence halls of Virginia State University (VSU) on Saturday, the university confirmed. The campus, one of Virginia’s historically black colleges, reported that all injured parties suffered gunshot wounds and were transported to local hospitals.
Police said about 1:28 a.m. local time (05:28 GMT) a shooting erupted, prompting emergency responders to the scene. The local authorities described the event as involving multiple shooters but have not apprehended anyone yet, with the suspect(s) still at large.
The university lifted a temporary lockdown after the campus was cleared, yet maintained a heightened security presence. Chesterfield County Police led the investigation, assisted by campus and other local law enforcement agencies, according to Lt. James R. Lamb.
Of the five wounded, four were reported as not suffering life‑threatening injuries, while one victim was admitted to the hospital with a critical condition. A student who was hospitalized was later discharged, and another victim was under 18 years old.
Classes are scheduled to resume on Monday, and dormitories reopened for students on Friday, the university’s website stated.
The shooting underscores the continuing challenges of campus safety amid rising gun violence across the United States. Authorities acknowledge the need for a thorough review of surveillance footage and a comprehensive response to protect students and staff.
For a full video of emergency services at the scene, see the BBC’s coverage linked above.
