BREAKING: One Dead, Two Injured in Alcorn State University Campus Shooting; Campus Remains on Lockdown as MBI Takes Over Investigation
CLAIBORNE COUNTY, MISS. — A tragic and developing situation unfolded Saturday evening on the campus of Alcorn State University, where a deadly shooting has left one woman dead and two others hospitalized, prompting a campus-wide lockdown and a massive law enforcement response.
According to Claiborne County Sheriff Edward Goods, the shooting occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. near the old gas station located on university grounds. Sheriff’s deputies, campus police, and local first responders were quickly dispatched to the scene following multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire.
“We can confirm one female victim is deceased,” Sheriff Goods said in a brief press update just after 9:30 p.m. “Two additional victims were transported to a local hospital. Their conditions are currently unknown.”
The identities of the victims have not yet been released, and law enforcement has not confirmed whether any of the individuals involved were students. Investigators have not announced any arrests or named any suspects, and the motive remains unclear.
Campus Lockdown Extended, Access Severely Restricted
Just minutes before the sheriff’s statement, Alcorn State University officials issued an urgent update, instructing all students to remain in shelter-in-place status and confirming that the campus is now closed to the public until further notice.
“Effective immediately, campus is closed until further notice. Only current students and employees are permitted on campus,” the university wrote in its latest alert at 9:25 p.m. “Students should continue to shelter in place until an all-clear is given.”
University officials say law enforcement and campus safety personnel are continuing to secure the area and are working closely with state authorities.
Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Takes Over Case
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) will now take the lead in the investigation, Sheriff Goods confirmed. MBI agents are currently on site conducting interviews, reviewing surveillance footage, and collecting forensic evidence from the scene.
MBI’s involvement signals the seriousness and complexity of the case, which now includes a homicide, multiple injuries, and a potential threat to campus safety. MBI will be coordinating with local officials, campus police, and the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office as part of the broader investigation.
Uncertainty and Fear on Campus
Students on campus described scenes of confusion and anxiety as alerts were pushed out by university emergency services. Many reported receiving the first shelter-in-place order shortly after 6:45 p.m. and said they’ve been hunkered down in dorms, classrooms, and other buildings ever since.
“It was chaos at first. No one knew where the shots came from or what was going on,” said one Alcorn State student who asked not to be named. “They told us to lock our doors and stay put. We still don’t know if it’s safe.”
Family members of students have expressed growing concern on social media, pleading for updates as rumors and misinformation circulated online. University officials are asking parents and loved ones to refrain from coming to campus at this time, as the area is still being treated as an active investigation site.
Community Reaction and Growing Calls for Safety Measures
News of the shooting has sent shockwaves through the Claiborne County and Mississippi HBCU communities, many of whom were already on high alert following an earlier, unrelated shooting incident near Jackson State University just hours prior, where a child was injured during a shooting near the JSU stadium.
While authorities have not linked the two events, the proximity in time and geography has added to concerns about violence affecting historically Black colleges and universities in the state.
Local leaders and community activists are already calling for increased security measures on and around campus, particularly during high-traffic weekends that attract large crowds.
What We Know So Far
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Time of incident: Around 6:30 p.m. near the old gas station on the Alcorn State University campus.
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Victims: One woman is confirmed dead. Two others have been transported to the hospital.
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Investigation: The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is now leading the case.
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Campus status: Full lockdown remains in place. Only current students and employees are allowed on campus. No all-clear has been issued as of this report.
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Suspect(s): No suspects have been publicly identified. No arrests have been announced.
Looking Ahead
Authorities say more information will be released as the investigation progresses. MBI has asked anyone with information about the shooting — including photos, videos, or firsthand accounts — to come forward and contact their tip line.
Alcorn State University is expected to issue another update to the campus community once the all-clear is given or further decisions about operations and safety procedures are made.
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