Police apprehended a 19-year-old who was discovered concealed in a dormitory closet at Virginia State University on Saturday following an overnight shooting on campus that resulted in five individuals sustaining injuries, with one in critical condition. Camron Harris, a resident of Henrico, Virginia, is not enrolled as a student at the university, and neither were four of the victims, according to Chesterfield County Police. The age range of those injured was between 17 and 23, with one of the victims, a 20-year-old student, having been discharged from the hospital. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed.
Law enforcement has not disclosed a potential motive for the incident. Harris faces eight felony charges, including malicious wounding and using a firearm during a felony. It remains unclear if he has legal representation. Earlier reports from the university indicated a search for multiple suspects, but as of Saturday evening, authorities have not provided further details on the investigation. University officials had previously stated that there was no immediate danger to the campus community, leading to the lifting of the lockdown.
The shooting occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, triggering a campus lockdown as students were gearing up for the start of the new academic year. The incident unfolded in the vicinity of the university’s Quad Annexes, where law enforcement found five individuals with gunshot wounds outside the dormitories. Virginia State University’s residence halls opened a week prior to the incident, with classes slated to resume on Monday following the completion of the “New Trojans Experience” orientation for incoming students.
The university expressed understanding of the distress caused by the shooting and emphasized the ongoing commitment to student safety. Enhanced security measures were in place on campus, and students were advised to monitor their emails for updates on safety protocols and support services. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, alongside the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, were collaborating with the county police in the investigation.
Located in Ettrick, Virginia, approximately 40 kilometers south of Richmond, Virginia State University is a historically Black institution with an enrollment of around 5,700 students. Originally established as the first state-supported four-year college for Black Americans, the university has been focused on growth while prioritizing safety and preserving its historical significance. Arthur Fridrich, the university’s former director of distance education, expressed sorrow over the incident, noting the impact on the community as students return to campus for the new academic term. Fridrich extended empathy to the victims and expressed hope for their recovery and resilience in overcoming the traumatic event.