ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — A tragic shooting at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) early Sunday morning left one person dead and six others injured, prompting a campus lockdown and a heightened police presence. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on April 27, 2025, just after the university had concluded its annual Viking Fest celebration, specifically the Yard Fest event, which is a highlight for students and alumni.
The deceased has been identified as a 24-year-old man who was not affiliated with ECSU. His identity has not been released pending notification of his family. According to university officials, four individuals sustained gunshot wounds, including three current ECSU students, while two others were injured in the chaos that ensued after the shooting.
Fortunately, none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening. All injured parties were quickly transported to local hospitals for treatment. The university's statement expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, "The university is deeply saddened by this senseless act. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all members of the Viking community affected by this tragedy."
In response to the shooting, ECSU implemented a lockdown, advising students to shelter in place until further notice. This lockdown was lifted later in the day as authorities determined there was no ongoing threat to the campus community. However, access to the center of the campus remained restricted for the time being.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are now involved in the investigation, including ECSU Police, Elizabeth City Police, Pasquotank County Sheriff's Office, Camden County Sheriff's Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). The SBI has urged anyone with information, videos, or pictures from the event to come forward to assist in the investigation. They can be reached at 919-662-4500 or ECSU Police at 252-335-3266.
Eyewitness accounts from students highlight the panic and confusion that followed the shooting. Mark Hurlbut, an ECSU student, recounted hearing gunshots through his window, stating, "I heard the gunshots through my window and through the walls. It finally clicked. This happened right outside my door." Another student, Jamarin Johnson, described the frightening scene, saying, "It was scary for real. I was over there talking to one of my friends, and I saw a lot of people running." Johnson emphasized the tight-knit nature of the ECSU community, saying, "We’re a family. Small school, small HBCU, you know. Everybody knows everybody. It’s a small family, so just make sure your family’s okay."
The shooting at ECSU is particularly shocking given its timing, occurring just over a week after another tragic campus shooting at Florida State University, where two individuals were killed and several others injured. Such incidents have raised concerns about safety on college campuses, especially in light of the increasing frequency of gun violence in the United States.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein expressed his condolences in a statement shared on social media, saying, "I have been in touch with ECSU Chancellor Edmonds and Police Chief Cuthbertson following the tragic shooting to offer my support and condolences. My heart goes out to the family and friends of the person who was killed, and Anna and I are praying for the other victims."
As investigations continue, ECSU has increased patrols across the campus to reassure students and staff of their safety. The university, which has an enrollment of just over 2,000 students, is located in Pasquotank County, approximately 50 miles south of Norfolk, Virginia.
In light of this incident, ECSU is urging students and community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The university has reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe environment for all students and staff.
This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available. In the meantime, the ECSU community is coming together to support each other during this difficult time, reflecting on the importance of unity and compassion in the face of tragedy. As the investigation unfolds, the hope remains that justice will be served and that such incidents will be prevented in the future.
