Two men were injured in a shooting near Virginia Union University (VUU) on Saturday evening, October 24, as police responded to gunfire during the university’s homecoming weekend.
According to Richmond police, officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of North Lombardy Street at approximately 8:30 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting. The incident prompted a significant police response near the university campus as investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the violence.
Officers found one adult man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. A second adult man later arrived at a hospital on his own with a gunshot wound that was also reported to be non-life-threatening.
Authorities had not publicly identified the injured men in the initial reports.
Altercation reportedly preceded gunfire
Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said investigators believe the shooting stemmed from an altercation near Henderson Hall that escalated into gunfire. Numerous people were reportedly in the vicinity when shots were fired, prompting people to flee the area.
Law enforcement officers were already stationed on campus for homecoming celebrations and reached the scene quickly, according to police.
Investigators are working to determine the sequence of events that led to the confrontation and identify those responsible. As of Sunday, October 25, authorities had not announced arrests or confirmed a motive.
Second shooting reported during homecoming week
The Saturday incident marked the second reported shooting at Virginia Union University during homecoming week.
Earlier, on Tuesday night, October 20, a man was injured in a shooting on campus near the Huntley Building. The incident prompted a temporary campus lockdown while university police investigated reports of gunfire. The lockdown was subsequently lifted.
Authorities have not established whether the Tuesday and Saturday shootings were connected. Investigators are treating the circumstances surrounding each incident seriously as they work to establish the facts.
Police appeal for witnesses
The shooting has raised concerns among students, alumni and residents as thousands of people gathered in Richmond for homecoming activities.
Police have urged anyone who witnessed Saturday’s incident, recorded video or has information about the confrontation to contact Major Crimes Detective James Higgins at 804-646-7570. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000.
Investigation remains ongoing
Officials continue to investigate the shooting and gather evidence. Although both injured men were reported to have non-life-threatening injuries, authorities have not released further details about their conditions.
Police have not confirmed whether the shooting occurred directly on university property or in an adjacent area. Further information about possible suspects, the motive and any arrests may be released as the investigation progresses.
For now, authorities are asking witnesses to come forward as they work to determine what happened during the homecoming gathering and whether anyone else was involved.
