Following a shooting that took place near Virginia State University this past weekend, the campus-mandated lockdown has officially been lifted. According to reports, a man was killed in a parking lot near campus and is not a student at the university.
The incident occurred last Saturday at the 20900 block of Third Avenue in Ettrick, Virginia. Chesterfield Police responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. When officers arrived at the parking near the Virginia State Multipurpose Center, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. That man later died at the scene and has yet to be named.
The campus went on lockdown shortly after the incident occurred around 11:40pm. The university lifted the lockdown around 2am Sunday morning. As the investigation continues, university officials and law enforcement encourage students to stay clear of that area of campus.
Virginia State released a statement sending its condolences to the victim of the shooting and his family.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of that individual who tragically lost his life near our campus,” a spokesperson for the university said. “At Virginia State University, we take campus safety and crime prevention seriously. We urge all members of our community to remain vigilant…”
As the investigation is ongoing, the Chesterfield Police Department and Virginia State encourage anyone with any information about the shooting to come forward. There is no suspect in custody at this time.
As many HBCUs are entering homecoming season, many Virginia State students and alumni wonder how this incident could potentially impact upcoming homecoming events. The university has yet to announce any changes in safety regulations as homecoming vastly approaches.
This is not the first time Virginia State has experienced a shooting near campus. A similar incident occurred last October, causing another campus lockdown.
