Campus celebration turns deadly: Shooting at North Carolina college leaves 1 killed, 6 injured
University celebration turns deadly as shooting leaves campus reeling (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
A shooting at Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina left one man dead and six others injured during weekend campus festivities, according to USA Today.
Investigation underway after deadly attack at university event
Authorities in North Carolina are investigating a shooting that broke out early Sunday on the campus of Elizabeth City State University, a historically Black public university located near the Virginia border.
The violence erupted at the heart of campus just after midnight, following Yard Fest, a major event during the school's annual Viking Fest celebration.
The university confirmed that a 24-year-old man, who was not a student, was killed in the attack.
Four others, including three students, suffered gunshot wounds, while two additional students were hurt in the ensuing panic.
All injured victims were taken to a local hospital, and none are reported to have life-threatening injuries.
"There is no immediate threat to the campus community at this time, and ECSU Police has increased patrols across the campus for added safety," the university said in a statement.
Campus lockdown lifted, but questions remain
The shooting forced the university to issue a shelter-in-place order for students and staff.
As authorities searched for answers and urged anyone with information to come forward, the lockdown was eventually lifted and classes resumed with an increased police presence on campus.
Student Mark Hurlbut described the tense moments as shots rang out: "I heard the gunshots through my window and through the walls. It finally clicked. This happened right outside my door."
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation continues to work alongside local and county law enforcement to identify suspects and determine a motive.
Elizabeth City State University, home to over 2,200 students, is now the latest US campus impacted by gun violence.
The tragedy follows a recent mass shooting at Florida State University, where two people were killed and six others wounded during an attack near the student union on April 17. In that case, students were evacuated with their hands raised as authorities responded, and the suspect was later taken into custody.
The recurring nature of these campus shootings highlights the ongoing concerns about safety at American colleges and universities.
President Donald Trump commented on the FSU incident, calling it a "shame" but emphasizing his support for gun rights.
"The gun doesn't do the shooting, the people do," Trump told reporters, indicating he is unlikely to seek changes to gun legislation despite renewed debates following such tragedies.
