Virginia State University shooting sees multiple shot as police lock down campus

Virginia State University has been locked down after multiple people have reportedly been shot as police have warned people to avoid the area

11:57, 15 Aug 2026Updated 14:55, 15 Aug 2026

Virginia State University has seen multiple people shot on campus (file)(Image: Facebook)

A major university in the United States has been locked down by police after reports of several people being shot with multiple suspects being involved.

Virginia State University in South Chesterfield has seen multiple victims rushed to hospital following the incident, which reportedly took place in the Quad Annexes of the campus in the early hours of today (August 15).

In a statement, the Virginia State University Police Department warned people to "stay away" from the campus after "shots fired". The incident comes just a day after the university welcomed over 1,500 freshmen to the campus with classes due to start on Monday (August 17).

[Virginia State University]

Virginia State University welcomed freshmen just day before the shooting(Image: 6News)

Virginia State University also issued a statement on the incident and confirmed that multiple people had been injured and the campus would remain on lockdown.

The university confirmed that the victim's injuries do not appear to be life threatening. However, It has since been confirmed that five people were shot with one reportedly in a critical condition. Police are currently hunting multiple suspects.

The message posted on Facebook said: "Virginia State University remains on lockdown following a shooting involving multiple suspects near the Quad annexes in the area of Boisseau Street and Third avenue.

"Multiple people were shot. At this time, none of the injuries appear to be life threatening.

"VSU Police and the Chesterfield County Police Department are actively investigating. The campus community should continue to avoid the area and follow all law enforcement instructions."

[Virginia State University]

Virginia State University confirmed victims have been rushed to hospital (file) (Image: Facebook)

Chesterfield County Police Department's Investigations Bureau Commander, Major Andrea Riesmeyer, told students to remain in shelter.

Writing on X, she said: "CCPD is currently investigating a shooting incident on campus at Virginia State University.

"Multiple injuries are reported with victims transported to area hospitals. Police request that you avoid the area. Students should continue to shelter in place."

Virginia State Police deferred questions to local police, who they said are leading the investigation. County police and campus officials said there would be more information later in the day.

Virginia State University is a historically black university located in Ettrick, Virginia, about 24 miles south of the state capital of Richmond.

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The public university has about 5,700 students and was the first fully state-supported four-year college for black Americans. Most of its students are undergraduates.

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