One person was killed and three others were wounded when two separate shootings took place on the campus of Winston‑Salem State University on Saturday night, police said on Sunday, New York time. The campus, then in the midst of its home‑coming weekend, was placed under lockdown shortly after the incidents and the lockdown was lifted early Sunday morning. No arrests have yet been announced, and the investigation is described as being in its early stages.
Assistant Police Chief Jason Swaim of the Winston‑Salem Police Department spoke at a press conference on Sunday, saying it remained unclear whether the two shootings were connected. Police said that additional officers would be on and around campus in the coming days as they work to examine the incident and identify the individuals involved.
The university was occupied by students, faculty and visitors for celebrations associated with the home‑coming weekend, a tradition that sees the school’s sports teams compete and alumni return to campus. Police actions included the temporary lockdown of the university grounds to secure the campus and to prevent the spread of violence or potential threats. When the lockdown was lifted early Sunday morning, officials announced no further measures would be required for the remainder of that day, indicating the campus was returning to normal operation.
Swaim said investigators were gathering evidence and that the decision to keep the campus secure for several hours was made promptly following the shootings. He further stated that, while the shootings occurred during a period of heightened activity due to the home‑coming weekend, there was no indication that the events were coordinated in any way. No specific information had yet been released regarding the weapons used, the motives of the shooters, or any potential suspects.
The police department maintained that the early stage of the investigation was due to “the time required to process the available evidence, review surveillance footage and interview witnesses.” Departments typically rely on local forensic teams as well as state agencies that can assist in tracing firearms restrictions and any prior reports that might relate to incidents on a campus setting. The lack of any announced arrests at the time of the statement underscored the focus on thorough data collection prior to publicly naming suspects.
The University’s spokesperson was not quoted in the statement from the local press but confirmed that the campus returned to normal activity after the lockdown. The university, whose official response was to cooperate fully with the police investigation, did not comment on the details of the individuals who sustained injuries or the deceased. Assistance was offered to the families and students affected, although the specific nature of the aid was not specified at the time of the reporting.
Officials expressed gratitude for the rapid response of law enforcement and medical staff who attended to those injured. The summary of events preserved the incident details without mentioning any speculation regarding motives or background about the individuals involved. The investigation proceeded according to usual protocols, and any new developments are expected to be shared by the police department and law enforcement agencies involved.
