Tragic Shooting at Elizabeth City State University: One Dead and Six Injured After Yard Fest Celebration, Victims Identified 

Elizabeth City, North Carolina — On the early morning hours of Sunday, April 27, 2025, a devastating tragedy unfolded at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) during the highly anticipated Yard Fest, marking the culmination of the university’s weeklong Viking Fest celebration. A shooting, which erupted around 12:30 a.m., left one victim dead and six others injured, sending shockwaves through both the ECSU campus and the surrounding community. The university, known for its close-knit and supportive environment, was turned from a scene of joy and celebration to one of sorrow and confusion as a normally peaceful campus became the site of a horrific act of violence.

The Incident: Details Unfold

The shooting occurred in the immediate aftermath of Viking Fest, an annual event that attracts students, faculty, and local residents to ECSU for a series of social activities, including music, food, and entertainment. Yard Fest, the centerpiece of Viking Fest, typically serves as the grand finale of the celebration, drawing large crowds to the university’s campus in a festive atmosphere.

However, on this particular night, the celebratory mood was shattered as a violent altercation took place among a group of individuals gathered in the heart of campus. Witnesses reported that the situation began as a verbal dispute, but it quickly escalated when one individual brandished a firearm and began shooting into the crowd. The suspect, whose identity remains unknown at this time, reportedly fired several rounds, hitting seven individuals before fleeing the scene, leaving behind a trail of devastation and chaos.

Despite the swift arrival of ECSU’s emergency medical services and local law enforcement, the situation had already claimed one life and left several others seriously wounded. The gunfire ceased as quickly as it had begun, but its impact would be felt long after the shots had stopped ringing.

Victim Toll and Medical Response

The seven individuals who were struck by the gunfire were immediately treated by ECSU’s medical personnel, with several of the victims being rushed to nearby hospitals for further care. The quick response from the university’s emergency services, as well as local law enforcement, was praised by officials, but despite their best efforts, the tragic loss of one victim could not be prevented.

The victim who tragically succumbed to his injuries has been identified as a 21-year-old male ECSU student. His name has been withheld pending notification of his family. This young life, filled with promise and potential, was cut short in the blink of an eye. The remaining six victims, all believed to be students of ECSU, sustained injuries ranging from serious to critical. Among them, two victims were reported to require immediate surgery for their gunshot wounds, while the others are said to be in stable condition.

As of now, the identities of the surviving victims have not been publicly released, and authorities have continued to withhold further details to protect the privacy of those involved. Law enforcement has confirmed that the investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and they are working to piece together the events that led to this horrific incident.

Suspect and Investigation

At this stage, local authorities have not released any information regarding the identity of the suspect, although they have indicated that they are following several leads in the investigation. The suspect is believed to have fled the scene immediately after the shooting, and a manhunt has been launched to locate and apprehend the individual responsible for this violent act.

The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, but rumors and speculation have begun to circulate in the community. Some have suggested that the incident may have been sparked by a personal dispute, while others have pointed to potential gang-related activity as a possible cause. However, law enforcement has stressed that these are merely rumors at this time, and no official conclusions have been drawn.

In a statement released by the Elizabeth City Police Department, Chief of Police Derek Thompson called on the community to remain patient as investigators continue their work. “We understand that there are many questions surrounding this tragic event, but we ask that the public allow us the time and space needed to conduct a thorough investigation. Our primary goal is to ensure justice for the victims and their families.”

As ECSU officials have pledged full cooperation with law enforcement, the university’s leadership has also expressed its commitment to supporting those affected by the tragedy. In an email sent to students and faculty, ECSU President Dr. Michelle R. Branch offered her condolences and reassured the campus community that they would take all necessary steps to support the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time.

Community and Campus Reaction

The news of the shooting spread quickly through the tight-knit Elizabeth City community, and both ECSU students and local residents were left in shock and mourning. Many students who had participated in Yard Fest that evening described a sense of disbelief and confusion in the moments following the shooting. What had started as an evening of celebration had, in an instant, turned into a night of terror.

For ECSU, a historically Black university known for its strong sense of community, the tragedy hit especially hard. Viking Fest had long been a symbol of pride for the university, a time for students, staff, and the wider Elizabeth City community to come together in unity. Now, the campus was left to grapple with the loss of one of its own and the devastating aftermath of a senseless act of violence.

ECSU President Dr. Michelle R. Branch addressed the campus in a statement that conveyed the profound grief and sadness felt by the university community. “We are heartbroken by the loss of one of our beloved students and the injuries sustained by others. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time. We stand united as a community, and together, we will begin the long process of healing.”

Many students have expressed their shock at the events, with some describing how they were enjoying the festivities earlier in the evening, unaware of the impending tragedy. “It was a night of fun, music, and dancing,” said one student, who requested to remain anonymous. “I can’t believe something like this could happen here. This is supposed to be our home, a place where we’re all safe, and now it’s a place of pain and confusion.”

The incident has sparked wider discussions about safety on college campuses, especially in the wake of increasing concerns over gun violence in the United States. ECSU administrators have promised to take a closer look at campus security measures, as students and faculty alike seek answers and assurances that such a tragedy will never happen again.

State and National Response

The shooting at ECSU has not only affected the local community but has also drawn attention from state and national leaders. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper expressed his condolences in a public statement, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life at Elizabeth City State University. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire ECSU community. We will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible for this act of violence are brought to justice.”

Several national organizations that focus on campus safety and gun violence prevention have also weighed in, calling for greater efforts to address the growing crisis of violence on college campuses. “No student should ever have to fear for their life while trying to pursue their education,” said a representative from the non-profit organization Everytown for Gun Safety. “We must take action now to protect students, faculty, and staff from the threat of gun violence.”

As law enforcement continues to investigate the shooting and work towards identifying the perpetrator, the city of Elizabeth City has come together in solidarity, supporting the victims and their families. Local religious leaders, elected officials, and community activists have all pledged to work together to help the community heal and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

A Community in Mourning

As the investigation into the tragic shooting at Elizabeth City State University continues, the community remains in mourning. The victims, both those who have tragically lost their lives and those who are still recovering, will forever be in the hearts of the ECSU family. Their names, though currently withheld, will not be forgotten, and their families will continue to be in the thoughts and prayers of those who knew and loved them.

In the days and weeks to come, ECSU will work to honor the victims and provide support to the survivors. The campus will undoubtedly feel the loss of this tragedy, but as President Dr. Michelle R. Branch said, “Together, we will move forward, stronger and more united than ever before.”

As this story continues to unfold, the ECSU community will hold onto the memories of the vibrant Yard Fest celebration that was tragically marred by violence, but they will also come together to ensure that the spirit of unity, support, and resilience that defines their university will continue to guide them through this heartbreaking time.