Kathmandu— Five people were wounded in a shooting involving multiple suspects at Virginia State University early Saturday, prompting a campus lockdown and police investigation as students prepared for the start of the academic year. The incident occurred near the university’s Quad Annexes, where officers discovered the victims suffering from gunshot wounds outside campus dormitories. At least one of those injured was confirmed to be a student, with residence halls having opened just a week prior and classes scheduled to resume Monday.

Shooting Investigation Underway

Police have not yet identified any of the victims, but reported that one person initially listed as having life-threatening injuries has been upgraded to critical condition. The remaining four sustained non-life-threatening injuries; the student among them was released from a hospital Saturday. Law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, are assisting in the investigation, which is ongoing.

University Response And Community Impact

Virginia State University officials stated that the shooting involved “multiple suspects” but later announced that law enforcement believed there was no immediate threat to the campus community, lifting the lockdown. The university acknowledged the concern caused by the incident and emphasized that student safety remains its highest priority. Arthur Fridrich, the university’s former director of distance education, described the event as heartbreaking for the community, stating, “To start a new year with this event is very tragic.”

Political Reactions To The Violence

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger expressed her support via social media, saying she and her husband were “praying for a quick recovery” for those shot. Senator Mark Warner also responded to the shooting, calling it “devastating to see another Virginia campus harmed by gun violence.” Both politicians offered thanks to first responders and law enforcement personnel involved in securing the scene.

The university is encouraging students to monitor their email for updates on safety measures and available support services as the investigation continues.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.