In a troubling incident early Saturday morning, gun violence struck Virginia State University (VSU), leaving at least five individuals injured. Among the victims, one remains in critical condition, as confirmed by both university officials and the VSU Police Department.
Authorities swiftly detained 19-year-old Camron Harris from Henrico, Virginia. Harris was discovered hiding within a dormitory closet on the campus, allegedly connected to the shooting. This development came from reports by The Associated Press.
Chesterfield County Police have stated that Harris is not registered as a student at VSU.
In connection with this case, police have secured eight felony warrants against Harris, involving charges such as malicious wounding and using a firearm during a felony. As of now, it remains uncertain whether Harris has retained an attorney to represent him.
University officials conveyed to News Media that officers were called to the 3300 block of Boisseau Street around 1:28 a.m., where they encountered five victims suffering from gunshot wounds in the vicinity of VSU residence halls.
There has been a massive police presence on the Virginia State University campus after an early morning shooting. (WRLH-WWBT)
“All five were transported to area hospitals. One individual is currently in critical condition. The remaining four sustained non-life-threatening injuries.”
The university said earlier on X that the shooting involved “multiple suspects.” No arrests have been announced.
Police had not provided additional information Saturday evening about whether authorities were still searching for other suspects.
VSU, a state-supported HBCU, is located in Ettrick, Virginia, about 25 miles south of Richmond.
A street on Virginia State University’s campus Saturday, after at least five people were shot early in the morning. (WRLH-WWBT)
One of the victims was confirmed to be a VSU student. The student was among those who sustained non-life-threatening injuries and has been released from a hospital, the university said in a statement.
Police said the five people who were shot range in age from 17 to 23. Four are not VSU students. The VSU student is 20 years old. The victims’ names have not been released.
Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive.
VSU police earlier revealed that the shooting occurred near the school’s Quad Annexes student housing complex.
According to the university, law enforcement “does not believe there is an immediate threat to the VSU campus community.”
“We recognize the concern this incident has caused among our students, parents, alumni, friends and the broader VSU community,” the university said in a statement Saturday afternoon. “VSU police will maintain an increased presence on campus as the investigation continues.
“Students should monitor their VSU email for additional safety measures currently in effect and information about available support resources.”
The campus initially went into lockdown, but the lockdown has been lifted, according to a university official and VSU police.
The shooting occurred on the same day that resident halls opened to returning students Friday for the school’s fall 2026 semester, according to the school’s calendar. Classes for the semester will begin on Monday.
Rozia A. Henson Jr., a Democratic member of the Virginia House of Delegates, shared a message on social media praying for the victims and their families.
“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 Jr. posted on X.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger also addressed the shooting in a social media post Saturday afternoon, saying she and her husband “are praying for a quick recovery for those who were shot this morning at Virginia State University.”
“Our thoughts are with the VSU community. Thank you to the first responders and law enforcement who responded to the scene,” she wrote.
An investigation into the shooting, led by the Chesterfield County Police Department with assistance from VSU police, U.S. Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, is ongoing, a university official told News Media.
The university is asking anyone with information to contact Chesterfield County Police at 804-748-1251, Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660, or VSU police at 804-524-5411.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.