Police seek others believed to have fired shots in Virginia State University shooting
The university president asked for continued prayers for those affected as the 2026-27 academic year begins.
Following an Aug. 15 shooting at Virginia State University that left five people wounded, authorities are searching for additional people believed to have fired shots during the incident as a 19-year-old suspect remains in custody.
An Aug. 16 report from AP News said investigators were working to determine whether those individuals participated in the attack or fired in self-defense. Police have not disclosed how many people they are seeking.
The five victims ranged in age from 17 to 23, according to AP News, which reported that the shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. outside campus residence halls in Ettrick, Virginia.
A 21-year-old man was reported in critical condition, and three others sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The only Virginia State student wounded, a 20-year-old man, was treated and released, according to AP News.
More than 14 hours after the shooting, police found Camron Harris, 19, hiding in a campus residence hall closet. Harris, who is not a Virginia State student, was taken to the Chesterfield County Jail without bond.
According to AP News, Harris faces four counts of malicious wounding and four counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. Authorities have not identified a possible motive.
The shooting prompted a campuswide lockdown, which officials lifted several hours later after law enforcement determined there was no immediate threat.
As students prepare for the new academic year, Virginia State University President Makola Abdullah addressed the concern among families returning to campus.
“We understand the concern an incident like this creates, particularly for parents and families who entrust their students to our care,” Abdullah said in an Aug. 16 statement. “Please know that we take that responsibility seriously, and the safety and well being of our students and our entire campus community remain among our highest priorities.”
Abdullah thanked the local, state, and federal agencies assisting with the investigation, as well as those who had offered the university their prayers and support.
“As we move forward and begin this new academic year,” he said, “I ask that you continue to keep Virginia State University, our students and all those affected by this incident uplifted in your thoughts and prayers.”
