Five wounded in shooting at Virginia State University, multiple suspects at large

Five individuals were injured, one critically, during a shooting incident at Virginia State University in the early hours of Saturday, August 15, 2026. Police responded around 1:30 a.m. to reports of gunfire near campus dormitories, where they discovered the victims. One person was initially reported with life-threatening injuries, later updated to critical condition, while the other four sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.

The university campus was placed on lockdown following the incident, which was later lifted, though a significant law enforcement presence remained on site as the investigation continued. Authorities, including Chesterfield County Police, VSU Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Hanover County Sheriff's Office, are investigating the shooting, which reportedly involved multiple suspects who are still at large.

The shooting occurred just as the historically Black university was preparing for the start of its new academic year, with residence halls having recently opened for students. Investigators believe only one of the victims was a student, with others potentially from surrounding communities.