Virginia State University shooting leaves five injured, multiple suspects involved

Virginia State University experienced a shooting incident early Saturday, resulting in five individuals sustaining gunshot wounds and prompting a campus lockdown.

The shooting occurred near the Quad Annexes, with both university and county police investigating. Responding officers found five victims with gunshot injuries outside the campus dormitories. Four victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while one initially listed as critical has been downgraded to stable condition.

University officials confirmed the involvement of "multiple suspects" and urged the campus community to avoid the area and follow law enforcement instructions. The Virginia State Police referred inquiries to local police leading the investigation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Hanover County Police were assisting the Chesterfield County Police Department.

The incident took place just before the start of the academic year. Student housing had opened a week prior, and classes were scheduled to begin on Monday. Virginia State University, a historically black public university with approximately 5,700 students, is located in Ettrick, Virginia, about 24 miles south of Richmond.