A shooting early Saturday at Virginia State University involved multiple suspects and resulted in five people being shot. This incident led to the university enforcing a lockdown. The shooting occurred near the Quad Annexes.

Both campus police and Chesterfield County police are investigating the event. Upon arrival, officers discovered five individuals with gunshot wounds outside campus dormitories. All victims were taken to hospitals for treatment.

One victim initially described as having life-threatening injuries has been upgraded to critical condition. The other four victims have non-life-threatening injuries.

In a statement, the university mentioned the involvement of “multiple suspects” and urged the public to avoid the area. “VSU Police and the Chesterfield County Police Department are actively investigating,” the statement added. “The campus community should continue to avoid the area and follow all law enforcement instructions.”

A significant law enforcement presence was noted on campus Saturday morning. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office are assisting in the investigation. Virginia State Police redirected inquiries to local authorities, confirming they are leading the investigation. More information is expected to be provided later.

Virginia State University is a historically Black university in Ettrick, Virginia, approximately 24 miles south of Richmond. Established as the first fully state-supported four-year college for Black Americans, the university currently enrolls about 5,700 students, mostly undergraduates.

The incident happened shortly before the academic year was set to begin. Residence halls reopened a week prior, with classes scheduled to start on Monday. Many students had participated in the university’s “New Trojans Experience” for incoming students.

Reporter Whittle contributed to this article from Portland, Maine.