One person has died and three others were wounded after two separate shootings on Winston-Salem State University’s campus on Saturday.
Police said at a press conference early Sunday morning that investigations were in their “very preliminary” stages, without giving details on any arrests or suspects.
“What we can tell you is campus is secure. The surrounding community is secure,” said Jason Swaim, assistant chief of the Field Services Bureau for the Winston-Salem Police Department.
Swaim added that investigators were working to determine whether the two shootings were connected.
“Our condolences go out to the families, to the friends, and anyone who witnessed this,” he said, adding extra police officers would be present on the North Carolina university’s campus in the coming days.
Police received the call at around 9.45 p.m. local time.
Saturday was homecoming game day at the historically black university, with the WSSU Rams facing the Fayetteville State Broncos earlier in the day.
“Homecoming is traditionally a time of celebration and connection,” Swaim said.
Emergency services audio obtained by NBC News showed officers reporting one victim suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Another recording showed an officer calling for a second ambulance.
Remaining homecoming activities scheduled for Sunday were canceled, including an event at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, according to a statement from Winston-Salem State University Chancellor Bonita J. Brown.
Brown expressed her condolences to the family of the deceased victims and said she was praying for the recovery of those who were injured. She also acknowledged that members of the campus community “may have witnessed or experienced things that no one should have to endure.”
She urged people to utilize the university’s counseling services and continue to follow police instructions as the investigation in the shootings continued.
“Throughout our history, Winston-Salem State University has faced challenges, but we have always found strength in one another,” Brown wrote. “That is what it means to be part of the Ramily and to be Ram strong.”