Police apprehended a 19-year-old individual who was discovered hiding in a dormitory closet at Virginia State University on Saturday following an overnight shooting incident on campus that resulted in five people sustaining injuries, with one in critical condition. Camron Harris, a resident of Henrico, Va., is not affiliated with the university, and neither were four of the victims, aged between 17 and 23. One of the injured, a 20-year-old student, has been discharged from the hospital. The names of the victims have not been disclosed.
Authorities have not disclosed a potential motive for the shooting. Harris faces eight felony warrants, including charges for malicious wounding and firearm use during a felony. It is unclear if he has legal representation at this time.
Initial reports from the university mentioned the search for multiple suspects, but no further updates were provided by the police later in the day. Campus officials had earlier lifted the lockdown, stating that there was no imminent danger to the campus community.
The shooting occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. near the Quad Annexes on campus, where law enforcement found the injured individuals. The university’s residence halls opened a week before the incident, with classes scheduled to resume on Monday. The shooting disrupted the “New Trojans Experience,” an orientation program for new students.
Virginia State University, a historically Black institution located in Ettrick, Va., approximately 40 kilometers south of Richmond, has around 5,700 students. The university, which primarily enrolls undergraduates, has been striving to enhance safety measures while preserving its historical legacy.
The campus witnessed a heightened presence of law enforcement officers following the incident, with students advised to monitor their emails for updates on safety protocols and support services. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, assisted in the investigation.
Arthur Fridrich, a former university official living near the campus, expressed sorrow over the shooting, noting the impact it may have on the student community as they begin a new academic year. Fridrich emphasized the need for healing and resilience among those affected by the tragic event.