Virginia State University Shooting
Early Saturday morning, at least five individuals were shot at Virginia State University (VSU), with one person reported in critical condition, as stated by university officials and the VSU Police Department.
Police apprehended a 19-year-old named Camron Harris from Henrico, Virginia, after discovering him concealed in a dormitory closet on campus. Notably, Harris is not a VSU student, according to Chesterfield County Police.
Authorities have issued eight felony warrants related to the shooting, including charges for malicious wounding and firearm use during a felony. However, it remains unclear if Harris has legal representation.
Officers responded to a report on the 3300 block of Boisseau Street around 1:28 a.m., where they found five individuals outside the VSU residence hall with gunshot wounds.
All five victims were taken to local hospitals, with one in critical condition, while the other four sustained injuries that are not life-threatening. The university has indicated that multiple suspects were involved in the shooting, although no additional arrests have been made yet.
As of Saturday evening, there has been no further information about whether law enforcement is still searching for more suspects.
Located in Ettrick, Virginia, roughly 40 miles south of Richmond, VSU is a state-supported historically black college and university (HBCU).
One of the injured has been identified as a VSU student who has since been released from the hospital. The ages of the five individuals involved range from 17 to 23, with four not being VSU students. The identity of the victims has not been revealed, and authorities still have not disclosed a possible motive for the shooting.
Police noted that the incident took place near the Quad Annex student housing area, and they have assured the community that there is no immediate threat to the campus.
In a statement, the university expressed concern for its students, parents, alumni, and the wider VSU community, and announced that VSU Police would increase their presence on campus as the investigation unfolds. Students were advised to keep an eye on their university emails for updates on safety measures and available resources.
Although the campus was temporarily locked down following the shooting, it has since been reopened. This incident occurred on a significant day as it marked the opening of dormitories for returning students ahead of the fall 2026 semester, with classes set to begin on Monday.
Virginia House of Delegates member Rosia A. Henson Jr., an alumnus of VSU, shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing sorrow for the victims and their families. He stated, “My heart breaks as I woke up this morning to hear this news. My prayers go out to everyone affected this morning, their families, and the entire Trojan family.” Similarly, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger also posted on social media, offering prayers for a swift recovery for those injured and thanking first responders and law enforcement.
The investigation is being led by Chesterfield County Police with support from VSU Police, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.
The university has encouraged anyone with pertinent information to reach out to Chesterfield County Police, Crime Solvers, or VSU Police.
