Five shot at Virginia State University, multiple suspects at large

Five people were shot outside a residence hall at Virginia State University in Ettrick, Virginia around 1:30 a.m. Saturday. One victim is in critical condition, while the other four sustained non-life-threatening injuries, according to CBS News reporting.

Only one victim has been confirmed as a student, per official statements. Investigators believe the other victims may be from surrounding communities. Police have not released the identities of any of the injured or said whether they are connected to the university.

Lt. James R. Lamb with the Chesterfield County Police Department's Criminal Investigations Major Crimes Unit said the incident was not a drive-by shooting. According to his statement, police are searching for multiple shooters. The bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hanover County Sheriff's Office are assisting campus police and the Chesterfield County Police Department in the investigation.

The campus was placed on temporary lockdown following the shooting. A significant law enforcement presence remains on campus as investigation continues. As of reporting, it was not clear whether any suspects had been arrested.

Virginia State University is a historically Black university with approximately 5,700 students, located about 24 miles south of Richmond. It was the first fully state-supported four-year college for Black Americans. Residence halls opened for students a week prior to the shooting, with the new academic year set to begin Monday.

Arthur Fridrich, the university's former director of distance education, characterized the timing as deeply troubling: "To start a new year with this event is very tragic. It casts a shadow in the minds of all students, and for some it will be difficult to rid their minds of this term," he told CBS News.