Letter From The VSU President Regarding Campus Shooting Incident

Dear Virginia State University Community, Families, Alumni and Friends,

As we prepare to begin a new academic year, I want to take a moment to address our community following the shooting that occurred on our campus early Saturday morning. 

I am grateful to share that an arrest has been made in connection with the incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and Virginia State University continues to work closely with Chesterfield County Police and our other law enforcement partners. 

Over the past two days, I have been reminded of the strength of the Virginia State University community. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Virginia State University Police Department for its immediate response and continued protection of our campus. I am equally grateful to Chesterfield County Police and the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies that responded and continue to assist with this investigation. 

We understand the concern an incident like this creates, particularly for parents and families who entrust their students to our care. Please know that we take that responsibility seriously, and the safety and well being of our students and our entire campus community remain among our highest priorities. 

I also want to express my sincere gratitude for the tremendous outpouring of thoughts, prayers, well wishes and support we have received from parents, alumni, friends, community partners and supporters of Virginia State University. Your calls, messages and expressions of concern have meant a great deal to us.

As we move forward and begin this new academic year, I ask that you continue to keep Virginia State University, our students and all those affected by this incident uplifted in your thoughts and prayers. 

Virginia State University is a strong and resilient community. In challenging moments, that strength is evident in the way we come together, care for one another and move forward together. 

Thank you for your continued support of Virginia State University.

Sincerely, 

Makola M. Abdullah, Ph.D.

President

Virginia State University