Virginia State University Shooting: Five Injured, Suspects Still at Large

Sun Sep 06 2026 04:22:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Five people were shot and injured near Virginia State University residence halls, yet authorities say no arrests have been made. The investigation continues amid a temporary campus lockdown.

On Saturday early morning, a shooting outside Virginia State University’s residence halls left five students injured, one critically ill. Police believe multiple shooters were involved but have not apprehended any suspects. The university temporarily closed the campus, which has since reopened with a sustained law‑enforcement presence. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage while the local police and campus security coordinate the search for the culprits. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about campus safety amid rising gun violence in the United States.

Virginia State University Shooting: Five Injured, Suspects Still at Large

Early Saturday night, police responded to a shooting outside the residence hall on Virginia State University’s campus. Five individuals were found with gunshot wounds, one of whom was reported as critically injured.

The university’s statement indicated that four of the victims suffered non‑life‑threatening injuries and were later discharged from hospital. The fifth, a student under 18, required medical attention but was stabilized by the time it was reported.

Chesterfield County Police, led by Lt. James R. Lamb, said investigators believe more than one shooter was involved, but no arrests have yet been made. “We don’t have anybody in custody,” Lamb told the BBC. “We know there was more than one shooter, so I would say the suspects are still at large.”

Following the incident, the campus was temporarily locked down. The lock‑down has since been lifted, but a significant law‑enforcement presence remains on site. Campus police and local police continue to review surveillance footage to identify the shooters.

Classes were scheduled to resume on Monday, and dormitories reopened for students on Friday, according to the university’s schedule. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns on college campuses amid rising gun violence across the United States.

Virginia State University, a historically black college founded to serve disenfranchised African Americans, hosts roughly 5,000 students and is located about 20 miles south of Richmond, Virginia’s capital.