Five people shot at Virginia State University as police launch frantic manhunt for 'multiple suspects'

By NIC WHITE, US SENIOR INVESTIGATIONS REPORTER and AP Published: 00:07, 16 August 2026 | Updated: 00:28, 16 August 2026 Multiple gunman are still at large hours after after five people were shot at Virginia State University. None of the victims were killed in the 1.30am shooting, but one is fighting for their life in hospital as of Saturday evening. Campus police and Chesterfield County officers discovered five people suffering from gunshot wounds in the university's Quad Annexes outside campus dormitories. At least one of the wounded was later confirmed to be a student. The shooting was still under investigation later on Saturday and happened as Virginia State's academic year begins.  Residence halls opened for students a week ago, and classes resume on Monday. Many students had just completed the university's 'New Trojans Experience' for incoming students. Police and university officials have not publicly identified any of the victims. The five were taken to hospitals, and one initially listed as having life-threatening injuries has been upgraded to critical condition, county police said. The others suffered non-life-threatening injuries.  The person confirmed to be a student was among those whose injuries were not life-threatening, and the student has been released from a hospital, the university said. The university said in a statement early Saturday that the shooting involved 'multiple suspects'. Police later said they did not believe there was an immediate threat to the campus community, and the lockdown had been lifted. 'VSU Police will maintain an increased presence on campus as the investigation continues,' the university said. 'Students should monitor their VSU email for additional safety measures currently in effect and information about available support resources. 'Although the lockdown has been lifted, members of the VSU community are asked to remain mindful of the ongoing law enforcement activity and avoid the immediate area where investigators are processing the scene.'