A violent overnight encounter left five people wounded early Saturday morning at Virginia State University in Ettrick. According to university officials, officers arrived on the scene around 1:28 a.m. after reports of gunfire near the Quad Annexes, which serve as student residence halls in the vicinity of Boisseau Street and Third Avenue. Upon arrival, responders discovered five individuals suffering from gunshot wounds just outside the dormitory buildings.

Of those hospitalized, one person remains in critical condition while the other four sustained injuries that are not considered life threatening. The university has confirmed that at least one of the victims was a student; fortunately, that individual was not seriously hurt and has already been discharged from the hospital. While details regarding the shooters remain scarce, school officials noted that multiple suspects were involved in the incident.

The campus remained under a strict lockdown for several hours as authorities secured the perimeter, though administrators announced by 8:22 a.m. that it was safe to lift those restrictions. In a statement addressed to students, parents, and alumni, VSU emphasized that student safety is its highest priority and warned that there would be an increased law enforcement presence across campus moving forward. Students have been encouraged to check their emails for updates on safety protocols and mental health support resources.

The investigation into the shooting is being led by the Chesterfield County Police Department with significant assistance from VSU police, the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, and federal agents from the ATF. As detectives work to identify and locate those responsible, local authorities continue to urge members of the public to avoid the immediate area and comply with all instructions provided by law enforcement on site.