Midnight Shooting on ECSU Campus Leaves Students in Fear as Police Launch Investigation
Elizabeth City, NC — Police are currently investigating a shooting incident that occurred just before midnight on Saturday on the campus of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), sending shockwaves through students, alumni, and the local community. The shooting took place near Bias Hall, prompting the Elizabeth City Police Department (ECPD) to issue a shelter-in-place order as they responded to the situation.
The ECPD sent out a text alert around midnight, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid the area. The alert read, “There has been a report of shots fired on campus in the area of Bias Hall. Shelter in place as Elizabeth City Police Department and campus police investigate the situation.” The university’s campus police and local law enforcement have been working in tandem to secure the area and gather information.
A Disturbing Incident During Viking Fest
The shooting occurred on the final day of ECSU’s much-anticipated Viking Fest, a popular annual event that draws hundreds of students, alumni, and community members to campus. The festival, which includes activities like the Blue and White Vikings spring football game, was expected to be a celebration of school spirit and camaraderie. However, the events were abruptly overshadowed by the sudden violence, leaving attendees shaken and concerned about their safety.
Reports indicate that hundreds of individuals were gathered at the Quad when the shooting occurred, with many having come to watch the spring football game and participate in other festivities. Though no injuries have been reported as of the latest updates, the shooting created a chaotic and tense atmosphere, with students and attendees quickly evacuating or seeking shelter as law enforcement descended on the area.
Ongoing Investigation and Limited Information
As of 3:30 a.m. Sunday, no further details about the incident had been shared through the ECPD, Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, or the ECSU website. Social media pages for these entities remained silent regarding the event, leaving many in the community searching for information.
Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation into the shooting and are working to determine the circumstances leading up to the incident. As of now, no suspects have been identified or apprehended, and the authorities have not disclosed whether this was a targeted attack or an isolated incident.
Local residents, especially those near the university, have expressed concerns about the safety of students and the broader Elizabeth City community. The lack of information in the immediate aftermath has only heightened fears, with many awaiting official updates from law enforcement.
ECSU Community Reacts
The ECSU community, which prides itself on a close-knit atmosphere, has been left reeling from the event. Many students who were present at Viking Fest shared their experiences on social media, expressing a mix of relief that no one appeared to be hurt, and anxiety over the uncertainty of what had transpired.
“I was right there when the shots went off,” said Jasmine Turner, an ECSU sophomore. “It was terrifying. Everyone just ran or ducked for cover. It’s supposed to be a fun weekend, but now I’m scared about what happened.”
University officials have yet to release a formal statement on the shooting, but some students have already begun organizing support events for those who were affected by the scare. Some have also called for increased safety measures and greater communication from campus and local authorities during emergencies.
What We Know So Far
- The shooting took place near Bias Hall on ECSU’s campus, which is located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
- The incident occurred shortly before midnight on Saturday during the final day of Viking Fest, which includes the spring football game.
- The ECPD issued a shelter-in-place order, urging people to stay indoors as they investigated the situation.
- As of 3:30 a.m. Sunday, no additional updates have been posted on the official social media pages of the ECPD, Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, or the ECSU website.
- There have been no reports of injuries at this time, but the situation is still developing.
Safety Concerns and Call for Information
The ECSU administration has yet to comment publicly, but as the investigation continues, local law enforcement is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Students, alumni, or others who may have witnessed the shooting or heard anything suspicious are encouraged to contact the Elizabeth City Police Department directly.
As the community grapples with the implications of this violent event, many are hoping for a swift resolution to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and residents alike. In the meantime, people are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any helpful information to authorities.
Stay Tuned for Updates
This is a developing story, and we will continue to update it as new information becomes available. For the latest, residents and community members are advised to stay connected with official channels, including the Elizabeth City Police Department and ECSU’s communication outlets.
If you have any tips or information related to the shooting, you can contact the Elizabeth City Police Department at their non-emergency line or reach out to local tip hotlines.