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 injured five individuals, with one sustaining critical wounds. Camron Harris, a resident of Henrico, Va., is not affiliated with the university, and similarly, four of the victims were not students, as per Chesterfield County Police. The age range of the injured individuals was between 17 and 23, with one of them being a 20-year-old student who has since been discharged from the hospital. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the incident. Harris faces eight felony warrants, including charges for malicious wounding and firearm use during a felony. It remains uncertain whether he has legal representation.
While the university previously mentioned the pursuit of multiple suspects, law enforcement did not offer updates on the search on Saturday evening. Officials had earlier stated that there was no immediate threat to the campus community, with the lockdown being lifted subsequently.
The shooting, which occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, led to a campus lockdown and coincided with students preparing for the new academic year.
The incident took place in the vicinity of the university’s Quad Annexes, where campus security and Chesterfield County officers found five individuals with gunshot injuries outside the dormitories. Residence halls opened a week ago, according to the university’s website, and classes are set to resume on Monday following the completion of the “New Trojans Experience” for incoming students.
Acknowledging the distress caused by the incident among various stakeholders, Virginia State University emphasized that student safety remains the top priority. Law enforcement maintained a visible presence on campus, urging students to monitor their emails for safety updates and information on support services. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office were offering assistance, as stated by county police.
Situated in Ettrick, Va., about 40 kilometers south of Richmond, Virginia State University is a historically Black institution with approximately 5,700 students. Established as the first fully state-supported four-year college for Black Americans, the university primarily enrolls undergraduate students. The campus has expanded in recent years, striving to enhance safety measures while preserving its historical significance.
Expressing sorrow over the tragic event, Arthur Fridrich, the university’s former director of distance education, emphasized the impact of the shooting on the community, particularly as students commenced the academic term. Fridrich conveyed sympathy for the individuals injured, hoping for their speedy recovery and resilience beyond the traumatic incident.