Virginia State University lifted a lockdown after an early-morning shooting near residence halls left five people wounded, one in critical condition. At least one victim was a VSU student who has since been released from the hospital. Chesterfield County Police are leading the investigation with assistance from VSU Police, the ATF and local partners. Authorities say there is no believed ongoing threat and have urged anyone with information to call the posted tip lines.
Five Wounded in Early-Morning Shooting Near Virginia State University Residence Halls; One Critical, No Arrests
WRIC - PHOTO: Police investigate a shooting at Virginia State University, Aug. 15, 2026.
Virginia State University lifted a campus lockdown Saturday after an early-morning shooting near its residence halls left five people wounded, one of them in critical condition. University officials say at least one of the victims is a VSU student who has been treated and released from the hospital.
Incident Details
Officers responded to the area near the VSU Quad Annexes at about 1:30 a.m. local time Saturday and found five people suffering from gunshot wounds. All five were transported to area hospitals; one remains in critical condition while the other four have non-life-threatening injuries, the university said.
Campus Safety and Response
Law enforcement and university officials have said they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the campus community. VSU Police announced they will maintain an increased presence on campus while authorities continue investigating. Students were urged to monitor their VSU email for additional safety instructions and information about support resources.
"VSU Police will maintain an increased presence on campus as the investigation continues. Students should monitor their VSU email for additional safety measures currently in effect and information about available support resources," the university said.
Investigation and Authorities
Chesterfield County Police are leading the investigation with assistance from Virginia State University Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hanover County Sheriff's Office. A significant law-enforcement presence remained on campus while investigators processed the scene.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is asked to contact:
- Chesterfield County Police: 804-748-1251
- Crime Solvers: 804-748-0660
- VSU Police: 804-524-5411
Reactions
In a statement, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger said, "Adam and I are praying for a quick recovery for those who were shot this morning at Virginia State University, and our thoughts are with the VSU community," and thanked first responders and law enforcement who answered the scene.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said he was "heartbroken to hear" of the shooting and that his thoughts are with those injured and the broader VSU community.
Authorities continue to investigate. Members of the VSU community are asked to remain mindful of ongoing law-enforcement activity and to avoid the immediate area where investigators are processing the scene.
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