Shooting at Elizabeth City State University During Viking Fest: One Dead, Multiple Injured; Investigation Ongoing

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — Authorities are investigating a tragic shooting that unfolded late Saturday night on the campus of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) during the university’s annual Viking Fest celebrations. The shooting resulted in multiple injuries and one fatality.

At approximately 11:45 p.m. on April 26, 2025, the Elizabeth City Police Department issued a campus-wide shelter-in-place alert, informing students and staff about the active situation on campus, particularly near Bias Hall, where shots had been fired. The shooting took place amid the university’s annual spring event, which had attracted a large crowd of students, alumni, and visitors.

Earlier in the day, the festivities had included ECSU’s Blue and White Vikings football game and a variety of student events. Unfortunately, what began as a celebration turned into chaos as the gunfire erupted later that night.

Casualties and Injuries

Three students were rushed to a local hospital with gunshot wounds, two of whom were injured in the legs and abdomen. Tragically, a fourth student, a male, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. His identity, along with those of the injured students, has not yet been disclosed by authorities.

Eyewitnesses have shared harrowing accounts of the scene, describing a panic-stricken environment as students and visitors scrambled for safety. Victoria Lewis, whose daughter and grandson were near the incident, shared a powerful account, saying:

“My daughter and her friends were able to find a place to hide, while my grandson, caught in the crossfire, managed to run in the opposite direction to safety. They are both safe. Nobody but God — I am truly grateful this morning.”

Investigation Underway

The Elizabeth City Police Department and ECSU campus police are jointly investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities are actively working to gather witness statements and video footage to determine what led to this violent incident. At this time, no suspect has been apprehended, and police have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Campus police have also expressed gratitude for the swift response of first responders and have promised continued efforts to ensure the safety of all students and faculty during this difficult time.

Community Reaction and Support

The ECSU campus and local community are in mourning as they process the impact of this tragedy. In light of the loss of a student and the injuries sustained by others, students have begun organizing support efforts and vigils to offer comfort to the victims and their families.

Local leaders, including Elizabeth City Mayor Bettie Parker, have expressed their condolences, saying:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire ECSU community. This is an incredibly difficult moment for all of us, but we will come together in support and healing.”

The university administration has promised to provide counseling services for students and staff affected by the traumatic event, as well as to ensure full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

As the investigation continues, further updates will be provided by law enforcement.