An official statement from Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) in North Carolina confirms that a shooting occurred early Sunday morning at the center of campus following Yard Fest, part of the school’s Viking Fest celebrations. Six people were injured and one person was killed.

Newsweek reached out to the ECSU Director of Public Safety-Chief Dr. Ernest L. Cuthbertson via email on Sunday for comment.

The Context

This incident adds to the ongoing concern about gun violence on college campuses across the United States.

The shooting disrupted what should have been a celebratory campus event and has prompted increased security measures at the historically Black university located about 50 miles south of Norfolk, which has approximately 2,300 students.

What To Know

Six people were injured during the incident – four with gunshot wounds (including three ECSU students) and two additional students injured in the ensuing commotion during the Yard Fest celebration.

None of the injuries sustained by the victims are considered life-threatening, and all injured individuals have been transported to local hospitals for treatment.

However, a 24-year-old man who was not an ECSU student was killed in the shooting. His identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, according to a statement from the university.

After implementing a campus lockdown and shelter-in-place order immediately following the incident, university officials have since lifted these measures after law enforcement determined there was no ongoing threat.

However, increased security patrols remain in place, and access to the central campus area continues to be restricted as a precautionary measure.

The university says it has activated multiple support services for students, faculty, and staff affected by the tragedy.

What People Are Saying

Elizabeth City State University released this statement following the shooting: “ECSU extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by this tragic event and remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the Viking community.”

The university shared more information on Facebook: “There is no immediate threat to the campus community at this time, and ECSU Police has increased patrols across the campus for added safety. Access to the center of campus is limited on Sunday.”

What Happens Next

The investigation remains active with multiple law enforcement agencies involved, including ECSU Police, Elizabeth City Police Department, Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, Camden County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

The university has established support services at several campus locations, including Bias Hall, University Suites, Viking Towers, and University Towers, with on-call and after-hours counseling available at 252-335-3275.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact ECSU Police at 252-335-3266 to assist with the ongoing investigation.