Shooting at Elizabeth City State University Leaves One Dead and Six Injured

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — One person was killed and six others injured in a shooting on the campus of Elizabeth City State University early Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. during Yard Fest, part of the school’s Viking Fest celebrations.

The victim, identified as a 24-year-old man who was not a student of the university, had not yet been named as authorities are still notifying next of kin. Four individuals suffered gunshot wounds, including three students from Elizabeth City State, while two other students were injured during the chaos.

According to a statement from the university, none of the injuries are life-threatening, and all victims have been transported to a local medical center for treatment. A representative from Sentara Albemarle Medical Center confirmed that four victims were treated at their facility, with three having already been discharged.

In response to the shooting, Elizabeth City State University issued a campus lockdown and a shelter-in-place order that was later lifted. The university emphasized that there is no immediate threat to the campus community.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is leading the investigation in collaboration with local law enforcement, including the Elizabeth City Police Department and the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office. They have asked anyone who may have information, including videos or images from the incident, to reach out to them.

“The university is deeply saddened by this senseless act. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all members of the Viking community affected by this tragedy,” said an official statement from the university.

As the investigation progresses, the university has increased patrols across campus and made counseling services available for students and staff starting at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center. Authorities have yet to identify any suspects involved in the shooting.