Virginia State University shooting: At least 5 injured, one critically

At least five people were shot at Virginia State University (VSU) on Saturday morning and one remains in critical condition, according to the university and VSU Police.

"Officers responded to the 3300 block of Boisseau Street at approximately 1:28 a.m. and discovered five individuals suffering from gunshot wounds outside VSU residence halls," a university official told Fox News Digital.

"All five were transported to area hospitals. One individual is currently in critical condition. The remaining four sustained non-life-threatening injuries," the official also shared.

VSU police earlier revealed that the shooting occurred near the school's Quad Annexes student housing complex.

Following a shooting at Virginia State University early in the morning on August 15, 2026, there has been a massive police presence on the campus. (WRLH-WWBT)

"A shooting occurred in the area of the Quad Annexes involving multiple victims, who were transported to area hospitals," VSU Police wrote in a statement posted to X.

"Police are on scene and request that you avoid the area," the statement read. 

The university said earlier on X that the shooting involved "multiple suspects." No arrests have been announced.

The campus initially went into lockdown, but the lockdown has now been lifted, according to the university official.

VSU Police said on X that the lockdown was lifted and "normal access to campus may resume."

A street on Virginia State University's campus on August 15, 2026, after at least five people were shot early in the morning. (WRLH-WWBT)

The shooting occurred on the same day that resident halls opened to returning students on Friday for the school's summer 2026 semester, according to the school's calendar. Classes for the semester will begin on Monday. 

"A significant law enforcement presence remains on campus," a university official told Fox News Digital. 

Rozia A. Henson Jr., a Democratic member of the Virginia House of Delegates, shared a message on social media praying for the victims and their families.

"Virginia State University is my alma mater. Waking up to this news is heartbreaking. My prayers are with everyone affected this morning, with their families, and with the entire Trojan family. VSU, we are with you," Henson Jr. posted on X.

An investigation into the shooting, led by Chesterfield County Police with assistance from VSU Police, ATF, and the Hanover County Sheriff's Office, is ongoing, a university official told Fox News Digital.

The university is asking anyone with information to contact Chesterfield County Police at 804-748-1251, Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660, or VSU Police at 804-524-5411.

VSU, a state-supported HBCU, is located in Ettrick, Virginia — about 25 miles south of Richmond.