Five people have been injured, one critically, in a shooting at Virginia State University (VSU) in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The incident occurred outside a residence hall at around 01:28 local time, with multiple suspects believed to have been involved in the shooting.
Multiple Shooters, No Arrests
Local police are still searching for the suspects, with Chesterfield County Police leading the investigation. According to Lt James R Lamb, one of the victims was a student and another was under 18. Lamb confirmed that investigators are still reviewing surveillance video and have not treated any of the injured as suspects.
The university has stated that the student victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and has been discharged from hospital.
Classes Resume, Campus Still on High Alert
A temporary lockdown on the campus was lifted after the incident, but a significant law enforcement presence remains on site. The university has confirmed that classes for the new term are set to begin on Monday, with campus dormitories opening for returning students on Friday.
VSU has about 5,000 students and is just over 20 miles south of Richmond, the state capital of Virginia.
History and Significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Virginia State University was created as one of the country's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to provide higher education to disenfranchised African Americans who were prohibited from attending most colleges. The institution has a long history of serving the community and continues to play a vital role in the education of students from underrepresented backgrounds.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, the university and local authorities are working to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff, and faculty. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the need for continued support for HBCUs.
The university has not yet announced any further information or updates on the investigation. As the situation unfolds, Accra Posts will provide further updates and information as it becomes available.
Source: Joy Online
