Multiple people were shot at Virginia State University, prompting an immediate campus lockdown. The incident occurred in the area of Boisseau Avenue and Third Street in Ettrick, with several suspects reportedly involved. Victims have been transported to area hospitals, and authorities have confirmed that none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening at this stage.
Police Response and Lockdown
Virginia State University Police issued a statement saying: "A shooting occurred in the area of the Quad Annexes involving multiple victims, who were transported to area hospitals." The statement continued: "Police are on scene and request that you avoid the area. Campus remains on lockdown, Updates to follow, VSU Police."
A post on the university's Facebook page reinforced the lockdown and investigation: "Virginia State University remains on lockdown following a shooting involving multiple suspects near the Quad Annexes in the area of Boisseau Street and Third Avenue." It added: "Multiple people were shot. At this time, none of the injuries appear to be life threatening. VSU Police and the Chesterfield County Police Department are actively investigating."
Community Reaction
The university urged the campus community to avoid the area and follow law enforcement instructions, asking anyone with information to contact VSU Police at 8045245411. On social media, one person wrote: "I called my youngest and he answered his phone and said that he and his brother are in their rooms, they are roommates, and they are safe. Hallelujah! God keep our children safe and please stop all this violence." Another comment read: "God protect our children! Continue to clean up the community for all who live, work and go to school there."
Recent University Shootings
The incident follows other university shootings in the United States. In April, five people were wounded in a shooting just off campus at the University of Iowa. In March, a gunman opened fire inside a university building in Norfolk, Virginia, targeting a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) group. One ROTC instructor was killed, and two cadets were injured before the shooter was subdued and killed.
