FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2025
Elizabeth City State University Responds to Campus Shooting Incident
Elizabeth City, N.C. — In the early morning hours of Sunday, April 27, 2025, a shooting occurred at the center of campus at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU).
The incident took place following Yard Fest, part of the Viking Fest events held in the quad area. Six individuals were injured during the incident. Four sustained gunshot wounds, including three ECSU students. Additionally, two other ECSU students were injured during the subsequent commotion. Fortunately, none of the injuries are considered life-threatening, and all the injured were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
A 24-year-old man, who was not an ECSU student, was pronounced deceased. His identity is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin.
In response to the incident, the university implemented a campus lockdown and issued a shelter-in-place order for all students. The lockdown was lifted later on Sunday after law enforcement officials determined that the campus was safe.
The ECSU Police, along with the Elizabeth City Police Department, Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, Camden County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, responded swiftly and are actively investigating the situation.
As a precaution, ECSU has increased patrols across campus, and access to the center of campus will remain restricted throughout Sunday.
Support services for students, faculty, and staff are available on Sunday at Bias Hall, University Suites, Viking Towers, and University Towers. On-call and after-hours counseling services are also available at 252-335-3275.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact ECSU Police at 252-335-3266.
ECSU extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by this tragic event and remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the Viking community.
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