Police apprehended a 19-year-old individual discovered hiding in a dormitory closet at Virginia State University on Saturday in connection with a shooting incident on campus that resulted in five people sustaining injuries, one of whom is in critical condition. Camron Harris, a resident of Henrico, Va., is not enrolled as a student at the university. Chesterfield County Police clarified that four of the injured individuals were also not affiliated with the university, with ages ranging from 17 to 23. Among the wounded was a 20-year-old student who has since been discharged from the hospital. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed.
Law enforcement has not disclosed a potential motive for the shooting. Harris faces eight felony warrants, including charges for malicious wounding and using a firearm during the commission of a felony. It is unclear if he has legal representation at this time.
Earlier, the university had indicated that multiple suspects were being sought, but no further details were provided by the police on Saturday. Campus officials had earlier reassured that there was no immediate danger to the campus community, and the lockdown was lifted.
The shooting occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Saturday near the university’s Quad Annexes, where authorities found five individuals with gunshot wounds outside dormitories. Residence halls had opened just a week prior, with classes scheduled to resume on Monday. Many students had recently completed the university’s orientation program for new students.
The university expressed understanding of the anxiety caused by the incident within the student body and broader community, emphasizing the priority placed on student safety and well-being. Enhanced law enforcement presence was visible on campus, and students were advised to monitor their emails for updates on safety protocols and support services.
Located in Ettrick, Va., approximately 40 kilometers south of Richmond, Virginia State University is a historically Black institution with an enrollment of around 5,700 students. It was the first fully state-supported four-year college for Black Americans. The university has made efforts to enhance safety measures while preserving its historical significance, according to Arthur Fridrich, the university’s former director of distance education.
Fridrich expressed deep sadness over the shooting occurring as classes resumed, acknowledging the impact on the community and students. He conveyed hopes for the recovery of those injured and underscored the resilience needed to move past such traumatic events.