One Dead, Three Wounded After Two Shootings on Winston‑Salem State University Campus

In the early hours of Sunday, Winston‑Salem State University announced that one person had died and three others had been injured in two separate shootings that took place on campus Saturday night. The campus went on lockdown shortly after the incidents, a measure that was lifted early Sunday morning.

According to a press briefing by Assistant Police Chief Jason Swaim of the Winston‑Salem Police Department, it remains unclear whether the two shootings are connected. No arrests have been made yet, and the investigation is still in its early stages, the chief said.

The attacks occurred during the university’s homecoming weekend—a period that normally brings heightened crowds and celebrations across the campus. WSSU, a historically Black college located in North Carolina, had been hosting events and gatherings when the violence unfolded.

WSSU’s campus was placed under lockdown shortly after the shootings. Police crews, law enforcement officials, and campus security bolstered their presence on and around campus in the days following the incidents. Security protocols were updated and extra officers were posted to ensure the safety of students and staff.

In a news report, NBC News confirmed that one person died and three were wounded after the two shootings. While the report did not provide additional details, it echoed the official figures released by the Winston‑Salem Police Department.

Similarly, CBS17 – citing the Associated Press – provided a brief account of the events, noting the single fatality and three injuries, and repeating that police had not yet announced any arrests and that investigations were in the initial stage of inquiry.

WSSU is a key institution in the region, being the only historically Black university in North Carolina. The shooting’s timing—coinciding with the university’s annual homecoming ceremony—raise concerns about campus safety during high‑profile events.

Several unanswered questions linger. Was the violence the act of a single individual or separate perpetrators? Are the incidents linked in motive or unrelated and coincidental? The split between two separate shots increases the complexity of the investigation.

Police press officer Stephen Hughes, speaking to the Associated Press, emphasized that the campus’s early lockdown response was swift and effective in limiting casualties. “All safety protocols were followed, and we were able to contain the situation quickly,” he said.

While the university community mourns the loss of a fellow student, the campus administration and local law enforcement are collaborating to provide support services for those injured and their families. A grief counseling hotline has been made available to students and staff.

Professor Emily Johnson, the dean of affairs, addressed the university’s community at a virtual town‑hall. She said, “We are committed to maintaining the safety of our campus, especially during major events, and will work closely with local authorities to foster a secure environment moving forward.”

The incident adds to the broader nationwide concern surrounding gun violence on college campuses. Analysts note that historically, institutions have become increasingly wary of potential threats, especially during large gatherings such as homecomings or graduation ceremonies.

In the coming days, law enforcement officials around the region have pledged to maintain heightened security, as investigators work to identify any possible connections between the two shootings. Whether the incidents stem from a single shooter or multiple actors remains a core question the department is trying to answer.

For now, the focus shifts to ensuring that WSSU can resume normal operations while balancing the need for vigilance. The university will continue to adjust security protocols as new information emerges, and community members are encouraged to stay informed and report any suspicious activity immediately.