ELIZABETH CITY, N.C.* A tragic shooting incident at a small college in eastern North Carolina resulted in one fatality and six injuries, leading to a lockdown of the campus early Sunday morning, according to university officials.
The incident took place in the heart of Elizabeth City State University’s campus following Yard Fest, the concluding event of the historically Black university’s weeklong Viking Fest celebration, as stated by the institution.
A 24-year-old male, who was not affiliated with the university, was declared dead at the scene. His name has not been disclosed as authorities await notification of his relatives, the statement indicated.
Among the injured, four individuals suffered gunshot wounds, including three students, while two additional students were hurt during the ensuing chaos. Fortunately, none of the injuries are deemed life-threatening, and all victims were transported to a local hospital for care, the statement noted.
A request for comment from campus police was directed to a university spokesperson, who has not yet responded to inquiries.
The university expressed its deep sorrow over this tragic and senseless act,” the institution stated in an earlier release.
The lockdown was eventually lifted, and the university has heightened security measures across the campus as a precautionary step. Access to the central area of the campus remained limited later on Sunday.
The university serves approximately 2,300 students and is located about 50 miles south of Norfolk, Virginia.