Reporting by Bill Atkinson, Petersburg Progress-Index / The Progress-Index
The president of Virginia State University said campus safety remains “our highest priority” one day after a shooting in the area of the residence halls injured five people. One of the victims was confirmed as a VSU student.
“We understand the concern an incident like this creates among our students, parents, alumni, friends, and the broader VSU community,” Makola Abdullah wrote in a letter posted to VSU social media.
“The safety and well‑being of our students remain our highest priority. As we move forward, we will continue to take every measure to ensure that our campus remains a safe environment for living and learning.”
Abdullah’s letter did not specify what those measures would be.
Details of Virginia State shooting
Shortly before 1:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, Chesterfield Police responded to the Quad Annexes in the 3300 block of Boisseau Street. Five people, four males and one female, had been shot moments before.
One of the victims was critically injured while the others, including the student, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The campus was placed on lockdown immediately after the shooting was reported. It was lifted hours later.
About 14 hours after the shooting, the suspect, identified as 19-year-old Camron Harris of Henrico County, was found hiding inside a closet at one of the dorms. He is currently in custody at the Chesterfield County Jail facing at least eight weapons charges.
Virginia State University president lauds first responders
In the letter, Abdullah expressed appreciation to the Chesterfield County Police and partner agencies for their quick response and investigation. He also thanked the VSU Police for “its immediate response and continued protection of our campus.”
“We understand the concern an incident like this creates, particularly for parents and families who entrust their students to our care,” the president wrote. “Please know that we take that responsibility seriously.”
Virginia leaders react to VSU shooting
Meanwhile, state and federal political leaders weighed in on the shooting.
“Adam and I are praying for a quick recovery for those who were shot this morning at Virginia State University, and our thoughts are with the VSU community.” Gov. Abigail Spanberger said in a statement issued by her office Saturday. “Thank you to the first responders and law enforcement who responded to the scene.”
State Sen. Lashrecse Aird, a VSU graduate, posted on X, formerly Twitter. “No parent or student should endure this as part of their college experience. My heart is with every member of the VSU community impacted. I’ve made myself available to ensure our students have every resource and all the support they need during this difficult time.”
Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Virginia, wrote on X: “Students at @vsu_1882 should have been enjoying the final weekend before classes start on Monday. Instead, they spent early Saturday morning on lockdown as a shooting left a student and four others injured. A Henrico teen has been arrested for the shooting. Praying for a full recovery for the injured and keeping the entire VSU community in my thoughts as they begin the new academic year.”
McClellan’s parents were on VSU staff for many years, and she grew up on the college campus.
Other comments on X included:
- Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi: “I’m horrified to hear about the shooting at Virginia State University this morning. Thank you to the first responders who responded to this tragedy. My heart is with the families and loved ones of everyone injured by this senseless act of violence, and the entire Virginia State community.”
- Attorney General Jay Jones: “We are monitoring reports of a shooting at @VSU_1882. My thoughts are with the students, faculty, staff, families, and law enforcement impacted. I’ve been in touch with President Abdullah and am praying for healing, recovery, and strength for the entire VSU community.”
- Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia: “I’m heartbroken to hear of a shooting early this morning on Virginia State University’s campus. I’m thinking of all who were injured and of the entire VSU community after this tragedy. It’s devastating to see another Virginia campus harmed by gun violence.”
Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) has won numerous awards during his 40-year journalism career. A Petersburg native, Bill is a 1984 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond with a degree in mass communications. He specializes in coverage of breaking news, crime, government, and local/state/national politics. He is an avid history buff and a lifelong Washington Commanders fan. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com with news tips and story suggestions.
This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index.
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