Five shot outside Virginia State University residence halls, one critically wounded

Five individuals were shot outside the residence halls of Virginia State University early Saturday morning, leaving one person in critical condition, according to Chesterfield County Police. Around 1:28 a.m. local time, authorities responded to reports of a shooting and discovered five victims suffering from gunshot wounds outside the university's residence halls.

All five were transported to nearby hospitals; however, one individual's injuries were deemed critical, while the remaining four sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident and searching for multiple suspects. The identities of the victims and their affiliations with the university remain undisclosed at this time. The university had initially initiated a lockdown following the shooting; however, as law enforcement continued their investigation, the lockdown was eventually lifted, though a substantial police presence remained on campus.

The shooting took place near the university's Quad Annexes on Boisseau Street. Chesterfield County Police are leading the investigation, with support from university police and other law enforcement agencies. Virginia State University, a historically Black institution founded in 1882, is located in Ettrick, Virginia, approximately 25 miles south of Richmond. The attack occurred just prior to the commencement of the new academic year.