A 19-year-old suspect was arrested Saturday afternoon in connection with an overnight shooting at Virginia State University that left five people wounded, including one in critical condition.
Camron Harris of Henrico, Virginia, was found hiding in a closet inside Seward Hall, a campus dormitory, around 4:00 p.m.—more than 12 hours after the shooting occurred near the university’s Quad Annexes at approximately 1:28 a.m. Authorities confirmed Harris is not a student at the university, nor were four of the injured individuals. The victims ranged in age from 17 to 23, with one 20-year-old student sustaining non-life-threatening injuries and later discharged from the hospital.
Police have not disclosed a motive for the shooting. Harris faces eight felony warrants, including four counts of malicious wounding and four counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is being held without bond at the Chesterfield County Jail, and additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
Immediate Response & Campus Safety
The shooting prompted a temporary campus lockdown, which was lifted later Saturday after law enforcement determined there was no immediate threat to the broader campus community. Virginia State University officials stated in a release that police presence would be increased on campus while the investigation proceeds.
University spokesperson Eric Friday said in a statement: “We recognize the concern this incident has caused among our students, parents, alumni, friends, and the broader VSU community. VSU Police will maintain an increased presence on campus as the investigation continues.” Students were advised to monitor their VSU email for updates on safety measures and support resources.
Victims & Injuries
Authorities reported the following details about the victims:
- One victim (21-year-old man) was initially in critical condition but was later upgraded to stable.
- Four other victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were hospitalized.
- Only one victim (the 20-year-old student) was affiliated with the university.
The identities of the victims have not been released pending family notifications.
Investigation & Law Enforcement Actions
Chesterfield County Police, in coordination with Virginia State University Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are leading the investigation. Police initially stated they were searching for multiple suspects, but no further updates on additional perpetrators have been provided.
Harris was located using campus security footage and police canines, according to authorities. His arrest came after an hours-long manhunt that extended across the university grounds.
Background & Context
The shooting occurred during move-in weekend, as students prepared for the start of the new academic year. Residence halls had opened the previous week, and classes were scheduled to resume the following Monday. The incident has drawn attention to campus safety protocols ahead of the fall semester.
Virginia State University, a historically Black university and the first fully state-supported four-year institution for Black Americans, has approximately 5,700 students. The university has not indicated whether the shooting was targeted or random.
Ongoing Developments
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and no timeline for further updates has been provided. Harris remains in custody, and police have not indicated whether he has legal representation. Efforts to contact his family for comment have been unsuccessful.
The case remains under active investigation, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.