Five people have been injured as victims of a shooting that took place at Virginia State University (VSU). As a result, the campus remains on lockdown, as reported by the university and the VSU Police.
The shooting occurred near the Quad Annexes area of the campus, and both the university police and the Chesterfield County police are actively investigating the incident. The county police stated that upon arrival, officers found five people with gunshot wounds outside the university residences.
The victims have been transported to different hospitals, and one of them, initially classified with life-threatening injuries, is now in critical condition, as reported by the county police. The other victims have suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to law enforcement authorities.
The university stated in a release that the shooting involves "multiple suspects". Additionally, the public has been advised to avoid approaching the area.
The campus has had a significant law enforcement presence since Saturday morning. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hanover County Sheriff's Office are providing support, as reported by the county police.
The Virginia State Police have referred inquiries to the local police, who are leading the investigation. The county police and campus authorities have indicated that more information will be provided throughout the day.
The United States has witnessed over 500 mass shootings so far this year, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive, which counts such incidents and defines a mass shooting as one where the number of dead or injured is four or more, not including the shooter.
These incidents are not uncommon on university campuses. At least two people died and eight others were injured in a shooting last December at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.