ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — A shooting at Elizabeth City State University, a small historically Black college in eastern North Carolina, left one person dead and six others injured early Sunday, prompting a campus-wide lockdown, university officials said.
The violence erupted at the heart of the university’s campus just after the conclusion of Yard Fest, the final event of Viking Fest, a weeklong celebration of school spirit and culture at Elizabeth City State University. The university described the shooting as a “senseless act” in an initial statement released Sunday morning.
The victim, a 24-year-old man who was not enrolled as a student at the university, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have withheld his identity pending notification of his family.
Four other individuals, including three current students, sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, according to university officials. Additionally, two other students were hurt amid the chaos that followed the shooting. Officials stated that none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening. All the injured parties were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
The incident drew a swift response from campus police and local law enforcement agencies. However, efforts to obtain further comment from university police were unsuccessful Sunday, as calls were directed to a university spokesperson who did not immediately return messages seeking additional information.
“The university is deeply saddened by this senseless act,” officials reiterated in a later statement Sunday afternoon.
Following the shooting, Elizabeth City State University immediately placed the campus on lockdown to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff. The lockdown was later lifted, though access to the center of campus remained restricted throughout the day Sunday as an added precaution. University officials also announced an increased police presence across campus.
The shooting marred what had been a celebratory weekend at the university, where students, alumni and community members had gathered for Viking Fest, a cherished tradition at the 2,300-student institution. Elizabeth City State University is located roughly 50 miles south of Norfolk, Virginia, and is part of the University of North Carolina System.
As of late Sunday, no arrests had been announced, and authorities have not yet disclosed a potential motive for the shooting. It remains unclear whether the gunman was affiliated with the university. Investigators urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
The shooting at Elizabeth City State University underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence on college campuses nationwide. In recent years, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have increasingly found themselves confronting safety threats, prompting renewed calls for enhanced security measures and support for students.
University officials pledged to continue offering counseling services to students affected by the incident and to keep the campus community informed as the investigation progresses.
