The joyous atmosphere of Elizabeth City State University’s annual Viking Fest turned to horror late Saturday night when gunfire erupted near Bias Hall, leaving one student dead and three others wounded in what authorities are now investigating as a targeted act of violence. The incident, which unfolded just before midnight, sent panicked students and visitors scrambling for safety as police rushed to secure the campus.
According to law enforcement, the shooting occurred as hundreds of students, alumni, and guests were still on campus following a day of festivities, including the ECSU Blue and White Vikings spring football game and various social gatherings. The university’s emergency alert system issued a shelter-in-place order moments after reports of gunfire, urging everyone to stay indoors while police responded.
Tragically, four students were struck by gunfire in the chaos. Three victims—suffering gunshot wounds to their legs and abdomen—were rushed to a nearby hospital and are currently in stable condition. A fourth victim, a male student whose identity has not yet been released, was pronounced dead upon arrival. The loss has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit campus community, with grief counselors being made available to students and faculty.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of terror as the sound of gunshots sent crowds fleeing in all directions. Victoria Lewis, whose daughter and grandson were near the scene, recounted the harrowing moments when her family narrowly escaped harm. “My daughter and her friends found a place to hide, but my grandson was caught in the middle of it,” Lewis said. “He ran the other way and made it out safely. Nobody but God saved them—I’m just grateful they’re alive.”
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether a suspect is in custody or if the shooting was connected to an earlier dispute. Campus police, working alongside the Elizabeth City Police Department, are combing through surveillance footage and witness testimonies to piece together the events leading up to the violence. Investigators are also appealing to the public for any additional information, particularly from those who may have captured cellphone video of the incident.
University officials released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy and reaffirming their commitment to campus safety. “Our hearts are broken for the victims and their families,” the statement read. “We are cooperating fully with law enforcement to ensure justice is served and will be reviewing all security protocols to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.”
As the investigation continues, students and faculty are left grappling with the aftermath of a celebration turned nightmare. Viking Fest, meant to be a highlight of the academic year, has instead become a somber reminder of the persistent threat of gun violence on college campuses nationwide.
Further updates will be provided as more details emerge from the ongoing investigation. For now, the ECSU community mourns the life lost and prays for the recovery of those injured, while demanding answers to prevent another heartbreaking night like this one.
