Petersburg, VA - A shocking incident unfolded at Virginia State University (VSU) early Wednesday morning when a shooting left four individuals injured. The incident occurred around 12:30 am, prompting an immediate response from Chesterfield County Police. The investigation is ongoing, with charges pending against multiple suspects. Authorities have assured the community that there is no further threat to their safety.

The suspects have been identified as Xavier J. Gordon, 21, of Chesterfield County, who has been charged with brandishing a firearm and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, and Clyde D. White Jr., 21, also from Chesterfield County, who faces charges of brandishing a firearm. It is worth noting that neither of the accused individuals are enrolled at VSU. At this point in the investigation, it remains unclear whether Gordon or White have any prior connections to the victims. Police continue to gather information about the events leading up to the shooting, with no indication of an ongoing threat to the VSU community.

Upon receiving reports of the shooting, officers from Chesterfield County Police swiftly arrived at the university campus located south of Richmond. Upon arrival, they discovered four individuals who had sustained gunshot wounds. Fortunately, all four victims were transported to hospitals with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The university spokesperson, Gwen Williams Dandridge, confirmed that none of the victims or the suspects are enrolled for the fall semester. However, freshmen and student leaders have already arrived on campus for the start of the academic year next week.

The incident took place just hours after a social event for first-year students concluded on campus as part of VSU's "Week of Welcome" initiative. Approximately 1,000 students were in attendance during the event. One first-year student, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his harrowing experience of witnessing the shooting just days after moving onto the campus. He recounted the panic that ensued when they heard a woman screaming, "They're shooting! They're shooting!" The students quickly sought safety by running towards their dormitories, remaining there for the rest of the night.

The recent incident marks the second shooting incident on or near VSU's campus within the span of the break between academic years. Previously, another shooting had taken place, prompting concerns about safety measures on campus. Following that incident, VSU officials had pledged to implement a robust safety plan. However, in light of the most recent shooting, university officials have reassured the community that the campus is secure and that they are not implementing any additional safety measures due to the absence of an ongoing threat.

The investigation into the incident is being jointly conducted by county and university police. No officers discharged their firearms during the incident. VSU, which enrolls approximately 4,000 students according to its website, is cooperating fully with law enforcement as they work diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.