BLACKSBURG, Virginia — A few minutes before midnight on Friday, Virginia Tech asked students to get inside a nearby building and lock the doors, due to reports of shots fired near campus.
The tweet from university officials said the shots were fired at West Roanoke Street and Draper Road. That's near the Blacksburg Farmer's Market and the edge of campus (near the Media Building).
Shortly after 2 a.m. on Saturday, the Blacksburg Police Department released a statement that they responded to shots being fired at the Melody Hookah Lounge, which is on North Main Street in downtown Blacksburg.
As the investigation continued, police released another statement shortly after 5:30 a.m. Four people had been injured and taken to local hospitals, and one person had died.
Virginia Tech President Tim Sands released the following statement just before 6 a.m.:
"Shortly before midnight last night, Blacksburg Police responded to a report of shots fired at the Melody Hookah Lounge in downtown Blacksburg. The Blacksburg Police Department has released a statement that one person was killed; four others were injured, one of whom was a Virginia Tech student. At this time, the names of the victims have not been released. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased and we extend our support to those who were injured.
Events like this are difficult and unsettling to all of us. Please care for yourself and seek assistance if you need it. Campus resources are listed below. Our community is strong, and our strength is derived from our genuine care and concern for one another.
Blacksburg Police are leading this ongoing investigation and we are assisting. If you have information about this case, please contact the Blacksburg Police Department at (540) 443-1400 or you can remain anonymous by calling the Blacksburg Police Tip Line at (540) 961-1819 or by emailing ciu@blacksburg.gov."
A tweet from Virginia Tech later in the afternoon said that the student who was shot was out of surgery and in stable condition.
By the evening, police had issued warrants for the arrest of the suspect, Jamel D. Flint, and he was in custody.
The investigation is still ongoing, and anyone with any additional information is urged to contact the Blacksburg Police Department at 540-443-1400.
