ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — One person is dead and several others are injured following a shooting early Sunday morning on the campus of Elizabeth City State University.
University officials said the incident happened around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, hours after students celebrated the annual "Viking Fest Yard Fest" in the quad area.
"It was scary for real. I was over there talking to my friends and I saw a lot of people running. It's hard, it's tragic," said ECSU student Jamarin Johnson.
"At the end of the day we're all human. We all have one life to live. It's deeper than that. People just got to make better decisions," added ECSU student Tori Robinson.
Watch related: Deadly shooting at Elizabeth City State University
A 24-year-old man, who is not an ECSU student, died at the hospital after being shot, the university said. His identity was not immediately released per the family notification process.
The university said three ECSU students were shot and two others were hurt in the commotion following the shooting. The five were taken to the hospital, and their injuries were considered non-life-threatening.
"Just praying for them, praying for their families," said Johnson.
The lockdown on campus has been lifted, the university said in a release. Law enforcement said the campus is safe. There were increased patrols for safety.
Officials were limiting access to the center of campus.
"The university is deeply saddened by this senseless act," the university said in a post on social media. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all members of the Viking community affected by this tragedy."
Alumni and community members also shared messages of support.
"I'm heartbroken about the shooting at my Alma mater. I heard about it while running a festival of my own today. My passion for business and social impact came from ECSU and I loved my time as a student that's why I know this isn't a reflection of the university but rather a reflection of how important it is that we turn our energies towards conflict resolution and alternatives," shared 2005 alumni and CEO of Black on Black Market and Soulful Vegan Treona Kelty.
Kelty added her business will be considering how to support through through the ECSU foundation.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein released the following statement on social media: "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."
The university said ECSU Police, Elizabeth City Police, Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, Camden County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation are involved in the investigation.
