ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — A night that was meant to celebrate school pride and community spirit turned tragic early Sunday morning, April 27, 2025, when gunfire erupted at the heart of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), a historically Black university in North Carolina. One man was killed, and six others were injured during the overnight shooting that has left the university and surrounding community reeling with grief and disbelief.
The shooting occurred during the early hours on campus, in the midst of festivities tied to “Viking Fest,” a cherished annual tradition that brings together students, alumni, and community members for a week of events promoting unity and school pride. According to an official statement from the university, the violence broke out at a central campus location where a large crowd had gathered after the scheduled events had concluded.
The victim, a 24-year-old man who was not enrolled at ECSU, was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin. University officials confirmed that the six individuals injured during the incident sustained various degrees of gunshot wounds and were immediately transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Thankfully, initial reports suggest that none of the injured parties suffered life-threatening injuries.
The sudden act of violence has deeply shaken the close-knit campus community, which prides itself on its welcoming and supportive environment. Elizabeth City State University President Karrie Dixon issued a heartfelt statement to students and families early Sunday morning, expressing condolences and pledging the university’s full support during this difficult time.
“This is a devastating moment for our Viking community,” President Dixon said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family, the injured, and everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
In response to the incident, the university has canceled all remaining Viking Fest activities and has increased security measures across campus. Counseling services are being offered to students, faculty, and staff members affected by the tragedy.
The Elizabeth City Police Department, in collaboration with campus security and state authorities, is leading the investigation. Police have not yet released information about potential suspects or motives, but they are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with students and guests scrambling for safety as shots rang out. “It was supposed to be a celebration,” said one ECSU student, who asked to remain anonymous. “Everyone was just trying to have a good time, and in a second, everything turned to panic.”
As investigators continue their work, university officials are asking the public to respect the ongoing process and to refrain from sharing rumors or unverified information on social media.
Founded in 1891, Elizabeth City State University has long been a beacon of educational opportunity and cultural pride for African American students in North Carolina and beyond. Sunday’s violence has been particularly painful for a community that values family, tradition, and resilience.
In the coming days, ECSU plans to hold a vigil to honor the life lost and to offer a space for collective mourning and healing. Administrators and community leaders have stressed the importance of unity in the aftermath of this tragedy.
As Elizabeth City and the ECSU community work to heal, many are calling for deeper conversations about safety, community responsibility, and the prevention of violence — not just on college campuses but across the country.
“Our Viking spirit is strong,” President Dixon emphasized. “Together, we will mourn, we will heal, and we will move forward.”
Authorities urge anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Elizabeth City Police Department or Crime Stoppers immediately.
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