Police apprehended a 19-year-old individual discovered hiding in a dormitory closet at Virginia State University following an overnight shooting incident on campus that resulted in five individuals sustaining injuries, with one in critical condition. Camron Harris, a resident of Henrico, Va., is not affiliated with the university, and neither were the four other injured persons, as confirmed by Chesterfield County Police. The wounded individuals, aged between 17 and 23, include a 20-year-old student who has since been discharged from medical care. 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 charges, including malicious wounding and the use of a firearm during a felony. It remains unclear if he has legal representation to speak on his behalf.
While the university initially indicated a search for multiple suspects, no further details were provided by the police on Saturday. Campus authorities stated earlier that there was no immediate threat to the campus community, leading to the lifting of the lockdown that was imposed following the shooting, which occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Saturday.
The shooting took place near the Quad Annexes of the university, where campus security and Chesterfield County officers found the injured individuals. The university’s residential facilities opened a week before the incident, with classes scheduled to resume on Monday. Many students had recently completed the university’s orientation program for new students.
Acknowledging the anxiety sparked by the incident, Virginia State University emphasized the safety and well-being of its students as paramount. The campus saw heightened law enforcement presence on Saturday morning, with students advised to stay updated through email on additional safety protocols and support services. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, along with the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, were assisting the county police.
Situated in Ettrick, Va., 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 has predominantly undergraduate enrollment. The campus has expanded in recent years, aiming to enhance safety measures while preserving its historical significance. Arthur Fridrich, a former director at the university, expressed sorrow over the shooting occurring at the start of the academic year, underscoring its impact on the student body and community.
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