Virginia State University Shooting Leaves Five Injured, One Critically

At least five individuals sustained gunshot injuries at Virginia State University (VSU) early on Saturday morning. Among them, one remains in critical condition, as confirmed by university authorities and the VSU Police Department.

The police arrested 19-year-old Camron Harris from Henrico, Virginia, on the same day after he was found hiding in a dormitory closet on the university campus. According to The Associated Press, Harris is not a student of VSU.

Law enforcement obtained eight felony warrants related to the case, including charges for malicious wounding and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. It is unclear if Harris has legal representation at this time.

Officers responded to the 3300 block of Boisseau Street at approximately 1:28 a.m. and discovered five individuals suffering from gunshot wounds outside VSU residence halls, a university official told Fox News Digital.

The police have not yet released details about any other suspects. Earlier updates from the university mentioned multiple suspects involved in the incident.

Located in Ettrick, Virginia, about 25 miles south of Richmond, VSU is a historically Black university supported by the state.

Among those shot, one is a VSU student who endured non-life-threatening injuries and has been released from medical care. The other four victims, aged 17 to 23, are not VSU students. The university has not disclosed the identities of the victims or a possible motive for the attack.

Authorities revealed that the shooting took place near the school’s Quad Annexes student housing complex. Law enforcement does not perceive an ongoing threat to the campus community, they said.

The university assured that they understand the concerns this incident has stirred among students, parents, and VSU community members. In response, campus police will continue to maintain a heightened presence as investigations proceed.

Initially, the university implemented a lockdown, which has since been lifted. The shooting took place on the day residence halls reopened for students returning for the fall 2026 semester. Classes are set to commence on Monday.

Virginia representative Rozia A. Henson Jr. expressed his condolences on social media, highlighting his personal connection to VSU: Virginia State University is my alma mater. Waking up to this news is heartbreaking. My prayers are with everyone affected this morning, with their families, and with the entire Trojan family. VSU, we are with you, Henson posted.

Governor Abigail Spanberger also addressed the shooting on social media, noting, Our thoughts are with the VSU community. Thank you to the first responders and law enforcement who responded to the scene, she wrote.

An ongoing investigation involves the Chesterfield County Police Department, the VSU Police, U.S. Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials urge anyone with information about the incident to contact Chesterfield County Police at 804-748-1251, Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660, or VSU police at 804-524-5411.