Tragedy at Elizabeth City State University: One Dead, Six Injured in Campus Shooting
Elizabeth City, North Carolina — A shooting at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), a historically Black university in North Carolina, left one person dead and six others injured early Sunday morning. The incident unfolded during festivities celebrating the university’s annual “Viking Fest,” a weeklong series of school spirit events.
According to a statement released by ECSU officials, the shooting occurred in the heart of the campus following a night of celebrations. The victim, a 24-year-old man who was not enrolled at ECSU, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have yet to disclose his identity, pending notification of his family.
In addition to the fatality, six individuals sustained injuries during the incident. Four of the victims suffered gunshot wounds, including three ECSU students. Fortunately, none of the injuries have been classified as life-threatening. All injured parties were swiftly transported to local hospitals for medical treatment.
Following the shooting, university authorities promptly enacted a lockdown and issued a shelter-in-place directive for all students and staff. The lockdown remained in effect for several hours before being lifted later on Sunday, restoring a semblance of normalcy to the shaken campus community.
"The university is deeply saddened by this senseless act," the institution stated in an official update. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all members of the Viking community impacted by this tragedy."
Despite the tragic event, ECSU officials assured students and the wider community that there is no ongoing threat to campus safety. However, details regarding the potential suspect or suspects remain scarce. Law enforcement agencies have not yet confirmed any arrests or identified persons of interest connected to the shooting.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has joined local authorities in leading a comprehensive investigation. In a statement, the SBI urged the public to come forward with any relevant information, including videos or photographs that might assist in piecing together the events that led to the shooting.
As the investigation unfolds, ECSU students, faculty, and staff are grappling with the aftermath of the violence. Support services have been mobilized across campus, providing counseling and resources to help the community navigate the emotional impact of the tragedy.
This latest incident comes shortly after another shooting rocked a university campus in the Southeast. Just over a week ago, Florida State University experienced a deadly shooting spree in which two people lost their lives and six others were injured. That attack, allegedly carried out by the son of a local sheriff’s deputy, has reignited national discussions about gun violence on college campuses.
Founded in 1891, Elizabeth City State University is part of the University of North Carolina system and enrolls approximately 2,000 students. Situated along North Carolina’s coastal region, ECSU is located roughly 60 miles southwest of Virginia Beach, serving as a cornerstone of higher education for the surrounding communities.
The ECSU administration emphasized its commitment to strengthening campus security measures in light of the recent violence. University leaders are expected to review safety protocols and collaborate closely with law enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the ECSU community mourns the loss of life and supports those injured, authorities remain determined to uncover the circumstances that led to the shooting and hold those responsible accountable.
Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information about the incident to contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation or the Elizabeth City Police Department.