Police apprehended a 19-year-old individual discovered hiding in a closet at Virginia State University’s dormitory on Saturday following an overnight campus shooting that resulted in injuries to five individuals, with one in critical condition. Camron Harris, a resident of Henrico, Virginia, is not a student at the university, and neither were the four other victims, aged between 17 and 23. One of the injured, a 20-year-old student, has been discharged from the hospital. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed.
Authorities have not disclosed a potential motive for the incident. Harris faces eight felony warrants, including charges for malicious wounding and using a firearm during a felony. It remains unclear if he has legal representation.
While the university previously mentioned they were seeking multiple suspects, no further details on the search were provided by the police. Despite the initial campus lockdown, law enforcement indicated no immediate danger to the university community. The shooting transpired shortly after 1:30 a.m. Saturday, coinciding with preparations for the upcoming academic term.
The shooting took place near the Quad Annexes of the university, where law enforcement found the injured individuals. The university’s residence halls opened a week ago, with classes scheduled to commence on Monday. Following the incident, the university emphasized its commitment to student safety.
Virginia State University, an historically Black institution located in Ettrick, Virginia, approximately 40 kilometers south of Richmond, is home to around 5,700 students. The university has focused on growth and safety enhancements in recent years. Arthur Fridrich, a former university official residing nearby, expressed sorrow over the shooting, particularly as students return for classes.
The university community remains deeply affected by the tragic event, with Fridrich expressing hope for the recovery and resilience of the victims. The incident has left a lasting impact on the campus community, underscoring the need for healing and support moving forward.