In a tragic incident at Virginia State University early Saturday, five people fell victim to gunfire, with one currently fighting for their life, according to university and VSU Police sources.
“Police were dispatched to the 3300 block of Boisseau Street around 1:28 a.m., where they encountered five individuals outside the residence halls who had been shot,” a representative of the university conveyed to News Media.
“All five have been taken to local hospitals. One remains in critical condition, while the other four are recovering from non-life-threatening injuries,” added the representative.
VSU police noted that the incident unfolded near the student housing area known as the Quad Annexes.
This file photo from November 12, 2023, displays the Virginia State University campus. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
“A shooting occurred in the area of the Quad Annexes involving multiple victims, who were transported to area hospitals,” VSU Police wrote in a statement posted to X.
“Police are on scene and request that you avoid the area,” the statement read.
The university said earlier on X that the shooting involved “multiple suspects.” No arrests have been announced.
The campus initially went into lockdown, but the lockdown has now been lifted, according to the university official.
Virginia State University’s quad (Virginia State University)
The shooting occurred on the same day that resident halls opened to returning students Friday for the school’s summer 2026 semester, according to the school’s calendar. Classes for the semester will begin on Monday.
“A significant law enforcement presence remains on campus,” a university official told News Media.
An investigation into the shooting, led by Chesterfield County Police with assistance from VSU Police, 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.
VSU, a state supported HBCU, is located in Ettrick, Virginia — about 25 miles south of Richmond.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.