Police apprehended a 19-year-old individual who was discovered hiding in a dormitory closet at Virginia State University following an overnight shooting on campus that resulted in five individuals being injured, with one in critical condition. The suspect, Camron Harris from Henrico, Va., is not a campus student, and neither were the four other victims, aged between 17 and 23. One of those injured, a 20-year-old student, has been discharged from the hospital. Names of the victims have not been disclosed.
Authorities have not disclosed any motives for the incident. Harris faces eight felony warrants, including charges for malicious wounding and using a firearm during a felony. It is unknown if he has legal representation.
Initial reports from the university mentioned a search for multiple suspects, but no further details were provided by the police later on Saturday. Campus officials earlier stated that law enforcement did not believe there was an immediate danger to the campus, leading to the lifting of the lockdown.
The shooting occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. near the university’s Quad Annexes, where law enforcement found the injured individuals outside the dormitories. The university’s residence halls opened a week ago, with classes scheduled to resume on Monday.
Virginia State University, a historically Black institution situated in Ettrick, Va., approximately 40 kilometers south of Richmond, has about 5,700 students. The university, primarily catering to undergraduates, has made efforts to enhance safety while preserving its historical significance.
The campus witnessed heightened security measures following the incident, with students advised to stay updated through email on safety protocols and support services. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, alongside the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, provided assistance as investigations progressed.
Arthur Fridrich, the university’s former director of distance education, expressed sorrow over the shooting, emphasizing the impact it has on the community as students prepare for the new academic year. Fridrich conveyed hopes for the victims’ recovery and encouraged resilience in the face of adversity.