“One Dead, Six Injured in Overnight Shooting at Elizabeth City State University: Suspect Identified as Alvin Crespin”
ELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina — In the early hours of Sunday morning, April 27, 2025, a tragic shooting erupted at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), a historically Black university in North Carolina. The incident occurred following the university’s Viking Fest, a week-long series of school spirit events aimed at fostering camaraderie among students. The shooting has left one person dead and six others injured, including several ECSU students. The campus community is in mourning as law enforcement investigates the senseless violence.
Incident Overview: A Tragic Night at Viking Fest
The shooting took place around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 27, at the heart of the campus, a place that had recently been filled with the excitement and energy of Viking Fest celebrations. According to a statement from ECSU, the incident escalated quickly, resulting in the death of a 24-year-old man who was not a student at the university. His identity has been withheld to allow time for his next of kin to be notified. Tragically, this individual’s life was cut short in a senseless act of violence that has shocked the university and the surrounding community.
In addition to the fatality, six others were injured, four of whom sustained gunshot wounds. Three of the gunshot victims were ECSU students. Fortunately, none of the injuries are considered life-threatening, and all the injured victims were quickly transported to local hospitals for treatment. As of the latest update, the victims’ conditions are stable, and they are receiving the necessary care to recover from their injuries.
Campus Response and Lockdown
In response to the shooting, ECSU immediately activated a campus-wide lockdown and issued a shelter-in-place order for all students, faculty, and staff. The lockdown was put in place to ensure that no further danger would come to the campus community while law enforcement worked to secure the area and investigate the incident. The university later lifted the lockdown later in the day, once it was deemed safe.
ECSU President, Dr. Glen D. Johnson, released a statement expressing the university’s sorrow and solidarity with the victims. “The university is deeply saddened by this senseless act,” the statement said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all members of the Viking community affected by this tragedy.” University officials have pledged to provide support for the affected students and families, as well as those who are grieving the loss and trauma of the event.
Suspect Identified: Alvin Crespin
As the investigation into the shooting continues, Alvin Crespin, the suspect believed to be responsible for the attack, has been identified by local authorities. Crespin, who is not a student at ECSU, was allegedly involved in the altercation that led to the gunfire. Authorities are working to apprehend him and ensure he faces justice for his role in the incident.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has joined local law enforcement in the effort to gather evidence and piece together the details of the shooting. The public has been urged to come forward with any information, videos, or photos that may assist in the investigation. ECSU and local police are working diligently to uncover the motives behind the shooting and ensure that the campus is fully secured.
Investigations and Community Impact
The SBI has taken the lead in the investigation, working alongside Elizabeth City Police Department to determine the sequence of events that led to the violence. Law enforcement officials are examining surveillance footage, conducting interviews, and seeking witness statements to understand the full scope of the incident.
As the investigation unfolds, Elizabeth City State University has assured students, faculty, and staff that there is no ongoing threat to the community. The university is committed to keeping everyone updated on developments related to the case. The safety and well-being of the ECSU community are top priorities as authorities work to resolve this tragic situation.
This tragedy has shaken the ECSU campus, where students, faculty, and staff had gathered to celebrate school spirit during Viking Fest. The event, meant to foster unity and pride, has now been marred by this senseless act of violence. The campus community is grieving, and many are coming together to support the victims and their families.
Nationwide Reflection on Campus Violence
The ECSU shooting is the latest in a series of incidents on university campuses across the country, where gun violence has left countless individuals injured or killed. Just a week before this tragedy, a deadly shooting occurred at Florida State University, where two lives were lost, and several others were injured in an unrelated shooting on campus. These incidents continue to raise awareness about the prevalence of gun violence in public spaces, especially on college campuses, where students should feel safe to pursue their education.
A Call for Support and Vigilance
In the wake of the shooting, ECSU officials have worked to provide counseling and support services to students and faculty members impacted by the event. The university is also collaborating with local organizations to ensure that those affected by the violence are supported in their recovery.
As the ECSU community begins to process the trauma of this senseless act, students and faculty are encouraged to come together and show support for those who were affected. The university is offering resources for grief counseling and assistance for anyone struggling with the emotional aftermath of the tragedy.
Conclusion: A Community in Mourning
Elizabeth City State University, a part of the University of North Carolina system, enrolls just over 2,000 students and is a staple of the local community. The loss of life and injuries sustained during the shooting are felt deeply by the university, the city of Elizabeth City, and the broader North Carolina community. The events that unfolded early Sunday morning serve as a somber reminder of the challenges that communities across the country face in combating violence.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the thoughts and prayers of the ECSU community and the public are with the victims, their families, and all those who were affected by this senseless act. The university remains committed to supporting its students, faculty, and staff and will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone on campus.