According to Chesterfield County police, officers found five people suffering from gunshot wounds outside university dormitories. All five victims were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
One of the victims, who was initially reported to have life-threatening injuries, was later listed in critical condition. The remaining four victims were treated for injuries that were not considered life-threatening, authorities said.
Virginia State University Lockdown Follows Early-Morning Shooting
The shooting prompted officials to place Virginia State University under lockdown as law enforcement responded and began processing the scene.
University officials urged members of the campus community to stay away from the area and follow directions issued by police.
In a statement, the university said multiple suspects were believed to be involved in the shooting. Authorities have not yet released the identities or descriptions of those suspects.
The campus saw a substantial law enforcement presence Saturday morning as investigators continued their work.
The Chesterfield County Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from Virginia State University Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
Virginia State Police said local law enforcement agencies were handling the investigation and referred questions to them.
Five Victims Transported to Hospitals
Police said all five people injured in the shooting were transported to hospitals.
One victim’s condition was upgraded from life-threatening to critical, while the other four victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities have not released the names of those injured.
Investigators also have not publicly disclosed whether the victims were students or whether they were specifically targeted.
The circumstances that led to the shooting remain under investigation.
Police Searching for Multiple Suspects
Officials have confirmed that investigators are looking for multiple suspects, but few details about those individuals have been released.
No information about a possible motive was immediately available.
Police are expected to continue collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses as they work to determine what happened before the shooting.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is being urged to contact law enforcement.
Shooting Comes Just Before Fall Semester
The incident occurred only days before the start of the academic year at Virginia State University.
The university’s residence halls opened for students approximately a week before the shooting, while classes are scheduled to begin Monday.
Many incoming students had recently participated in the university’s New Trojans Experience, an orientation program held ahead of the fall semester.
The timing of the shooting has raised additional concern across the campus community as students prepare to begin classes.
About Virginia State University
Virginia State University is a historically Black public university located in Ettrick, Virginia, approximately 24 miles south of Richmond.
The university serves roughly 5,700 students and has a long history as one of the country’s historically Black institutions of higher education.
Virginia State University was the first fully state-supported four-year institution established for Black Americans, according to information provided by the university.
Most students enrolled at the university are undergraduates.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Police and university officials have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Investigators continue to work at the scene while searching for the people believed to be responsible.
Authorities have asked members of the Virginia State University community to remain alert, avoid the immediate investigation area and follow all instructions from law enforcement.
Additional information is expected as investigators make progress.
This is a developing story. USA Mint Live will update this report as authorities release verified information about the victims, suspects and investigation.
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