Elizabeth City State University Shooting: Victims Identified, 1 Dead and Multiple Injured After Gunfire Erupts During Viking Fest
At Least One Dead, Multiple Injured After Shooting at Elizabeth City State University During Viking Fest
Late Saturday night, tragedy struck the heart of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) in North Carolina when a shooting occurred on campus, leaving at least one dead and multiple others injured during the festivities of the annual Viking Fest.
The event, traditionally one of the university’s most significant celebrations, quickly descended into chaos as gunshots rang out near Bias Hall, an area where hundreds of students, alumni, and visitors had gathered to participate in the weekend’s activities. The attack left students scrambling for safety and raised serious concerns over campus security.
Authorities have confirmed that three students were transported to a nearby hospital with gunshot wounds. These injuries included damage to their legs and/or abdomen. Tragically, a fourth male student, whose identity has not been released as of yet, was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after being transported.
Eyewitness accounts reveal the terrifying moments that unfolded during the shooting, describing a chaotic scene as people fled for cover. For many, the celebration turned into a nightmare as the sound of gunfire shattered the festivities.
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Elizabeth City Police Department and the campus police, quickly responded to the crisis. They issued a campus-wide text alert shortly before midnight, urging students and residents to “shelter in place” as officers secured the area and investigated the situation.
The shooting occurred during ECSU’s popular Viking Fest, an annual event that draws not only students and alumni but also local community members and visitors from surrounding areas. The day’s earlier activities had included the ECSU Blue and White Vikings spring football game and various student-run events held on the Quad, creating a festive atmosphere that was soon overshadowed by the violence.
While police have not yet released the names of the victims, eyewitnesses and those close to the scene have shared emotional accounts of their experiences. Victoria Lewis, who was present at the event, described how her daughter and grandson narrowly escaped the danger. Her daughter, along with her friends, found shelter quickly, while her grandson, caught in the crossfire, was able to run in the opposite direction to safety.
“My daughter and her friends were able to find a place to hide, while my grandson, caught in the crossfire, managed to run in the opposite direction to safety,” Lewis said in an interview with Channel2 NOW. “They are both safe. Nobody but God — I am truly grateful this morning.”
As of now, law enforcement agencies have not confirmed whether a suspect has been apprehended. Campus police, along with the Elizabeth City Police Department, are continuing to investigate the shooting. Authorities have urged anyone with video footage or information related to the incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
As students and alumni continue to process the tragedy, the ECSU community has been left in mourning. The university administration, along with local authorities, is expected to hold a press conference later today to provide further updates on the situation and the ongoing investigation.
The shooting raises further concerns about safety on college campuses, especially during large public gatherings like Viking Fest. ECSU, along with other universities, may face increased pressure to reassess their security protocols and take steps to ensure the safety of all students, staff, and visitors during public events.
More updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Victims Identified: Community Mourns the Loss
As of now, the identities of the victims have not been officially released by law enforcement or university officials. However, various sources close to the university have confirmed that the deceased victim is a male student, and the three others who were injured are also male students, all of whom have been taken to a local hospital for treatment.
At the time of publication, the conditions of the injured students have not been fully disclosed, although it is believed that none of the injuries are life-threatening. The community is waiting for updates as the investigation continues, with many individuals expressing their disbelief and sorrow over the devastating turn of events.
ECSU’s campus, typically a tight-knit community, is now left grappling with the aftermath of the violence that occurred on what was supposed to be a celebratory night. The students, faculty, and staff are all awaiting answers as authorities work tirelessly to piece together the details of the shooting.
In an official statement, ECSU’s President, Dr. James Reynolds, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and reassured the public that the university is fully cooperating with local authorities in their investigation.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our hearts go out to the families affected,” said Dr. Reynolds. “We are committed to supporting our students, staff, and the entire ECSU community during this difficult time. Our primary concern right now is ensuring the safety of everyone on campus.”
The Moments Leading Up to the Shooting: Eyewitness Accounts
Several eyewitnesses have come forward with emotional stories of the events that unfolded that fateful night. For many, the shooting was a sudden and shocking disruption to an otherwise joyous occasion.
One student, who asked to remain anonymous, described the scene as they were attending the Viking Fest event just moments before the shooting.
“It was all fun and games up until the gunfire,” the student said, visibly shaken. “People were cheering, talking, and enjoying the night when suddenly we heard shots. At first, no one knew what it was, but as soon as people started running, we knew something bad had happened.”
The victim, who was at the scene with a group of friends, explained how they sought shelter inside a nearby building as chaos erupted around them. “It felt like a nightmare. People were screaming, running, and trying to get away. It was just so surreal.”
Another eyewitness, a local resident who had been visiting the university with family members, recalled the terror of hearing the shots. “We were on the other side of the campus when we heard the first shot, and then there were several more,” they said. “I grabbed my kids and we ran to find shelter. I was just praying we would be safe.”
Others described hearing the gunfire but not knowing where it was coming from. Several students indicated they immediately fled to the nearest building or area where they could hide, fearful that the shooter could be close by.
“I saw people dive into bushes, running into the dorms, and even jumping fences to get away,” said another student who witnessed the aftermath. “I didn’t even know if I was running in the right direction. I just wanted to get away from the sound of the gunfire.”
Campus Response and Security Measures
Campus police, along with the Elizabeth City Police Department, quickly responded to the shooting, securing the area and issuing the shelter-in-place order shortly before midnight.
The university’s security team, which had been on high alert for the Viking Fest event, immediately began clearing the campus and coordinating with local law enforcement agencies. They focused their efforts on the area surrounding Bias Hall, where the gunfire had been reported, and conducted a systematic search of the premises to ensure that no further threats were present.
In the aftermath of the incident, many students and faculty have called for increased security measures on campus. Some have expressed concerns over the university’s ability to ensure safety during large events, with many suggesting that more visible law enforcement officers, metal detectors, and other security precautions may be necessary moving forward.
“I’ve never felt unsafe on this campus before, but after tonight, I’m worried about the future,” said a senior student who has been at ECSU for four years. “There are always big events here, and we always hope for the best, but now we see what can happen when something goes wrong.”
The university has not yet announced any immediate changes to its security protocols, but further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
Investigation Ongoing: Authorities Seek Information
As of now, local authorities have not named any suspects or made any arrests in connection with the shooting. Investigators are actively pursuing leads and are asking anyone with information or video footage to come forward and assist with the investigation.
“We are doing everything we can to get to the bottom of this and bring those responsible to justice,” said Chief Marcus Edwards of the Elizabeth City Police Department. “We encourage anyone who may have seen something or captured footage of the incident to contact us immediately. Every bit of information is vital in helping us solve this case.”
The ongoing investigation is expected to take several days as authorities work to piece together the details of what led to the shooting. The community is left waiting, hoping for answers, and grappling with the aftermath of a tragic and senseless act of violence.
More updates on the investigation and the status of the victims are expected as more information becomes available.
The Impact on the ECSU Community
The tragic shooting at Elizabeth City State University has left a deep scar on the community, particularly for those who were in attendance at Viking Fest. For students, alumni, and visitors alike, the joyous celebration turned into a tragic reminder of the potential for violence to disrupt even the most vibrant of occasions.
As the university mourns the loss of one of its own, questions surrounding campus safety and the future of large public gatherings at ECSU will undoubtedly become key topics of discussion. Many students are asking for more proactive measures to ensure that such an event never happens again.
“We need to make sure our campus is safe for all students,” said one student who had attended Viking Fest. “We shouldn’t have to live in fear when we’re just trying to enjoy ourselves and celebrate with our friends.”
The investigation is ongoing, and the ECSU community continues to heal as the painful reality of the shooting settles in.
Updates to follow as more information becomes available.
