Shots fired at Virginia State University: Injured on HBCU campus in Ettrick

Background of the incident

Broadcaster WTVR reported on the operation on campus. The university itself communicated through its official channels but referred to the ongoing police investigation and asked students and employees to stay away from the grounds.

Virginia State University was founded in 1882 and is one of the historically Black colleges and universities in the United States, known as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The campus is located in the town of Ettrick, immediately south of Richmond, the capital of the state of Virginia.

Reaction on campus

The campus was cordoned off over a wide area due to the ongoing investigation. Students were urged to remain in buildings and follow instructions from security personnel. Some weekend lectures and events were canceled.

Police announced that they would release further information during the course of the day on the sequence of events, possible suspects, and the number of injured. The type of weapon used and the question of whether it involved a lone gunman were also part of the investigation.

Gun violence incidents at U.S. colleges and universities have repeatedly been the subject of political debate in recent years. HBCUs such as Virginia State University have in the past sometimes developed their own security concepts and work closely with local police authorities.

The college and its history

Ettrick is a small community in Chesterfield County and borders directly on the city of Richmond. According to the university, Virginia State University has several thousand students and is one of the oldest public colleges for African Americans in the United States.

Investigators asked eyewitnesses and students who have photos or videos from the time of the incident to contact police. Tips could be submitted through a dedicated telephone hotline as well as through digital police channels.

Investigation and tips

The university administration announced it would provide psychological support to affected students. A crisis team was to be available on campus in the coming days. At the same time, students and employees were urged to look out for one another and to report any suspicious observations immediately.