One person died and three others were injured after two separate shootings Saturday on the campus of Winston-Salem State University.
Police said at a news conference early Sunday morning that investigations were in their “very preliminary” stages, without giving details of the arrests or suspects.
“What we can tell you is the campus is safe. The surrounding community is safe,” said Jason Swaim, deputy chief of the Winston-Salem Police Department’s Field Services Bureau.
Swaim added that investigators are working to determine whether the two shootings are related.
“Our condolences go out to the families, friends and everyone who witnessed this,” he said, adding that additional police officers would be on the University of North Carolina campus in the coming days.
Police received the call around 9:45 p.m. local time.
Saturday was homecoming game day at the historically black university, with the WSSU Rams taking on the Fayetteville State Broncos earlier in the day.
“Homecoming is traditionally a time of celebration and connection,” Swaim said.
Emergency service audio obtained by NBC News showed officers reporting a victim with a gunshot wound to the head. Another recording showed a police officer calling a second ambulance.
Other reunion activities planned for Sunday were canceled, including an event at 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 the 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 use the university’s counseling services and continue to follow police instructions as the investigation into the shooting continues.
“Throughout our history, Winston-Salem State University has faced challenges, but we have always found strength in each other,” Brown wrote. “This is what it means to be part of Ramily and to be Ram strong.”
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