Five people were injured in a shooting outside a student residence hall at Virginia State University early Saturday, prompting a temporary campus lockdown and a major police response.

The Chesterfield County Police Department said officers were dispatched after receiving reports of gunfire near the university’s Quad Annexes residence halls. When police arrived, they found five people suffering from gunshot wounds.

The injured were transported to nearby hospitals. Authorities said four victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while one person was in critical condition. At least one of the injured was identified as a Virginia State University student.

University officials said multiple suspects were involved in the shooting. The campus was temporarily placed under lockdown as police secured the area and searched for those responsible.

The lockdown was later lifted after authorities determined there was no immediate threat to the university community. However, increased security measures remain in place as the investigation continues.

The investigation is being led by the Chesterfield County Police Department with assistance from Virginia State University Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and other law enforcement agencies.

No arrests have been announced, and authorities have not released details about the suspects or a possible motive for the shooting.

The incident occurred shortly before the start of the university’s fall semester, as students were returning to campus and preparing for the new academic year.(ILKHA)