WSSU Students Return to Classes Following Fatal Weekend Shootings

Students returned to classrooms at Winston-Salem State University on Tuesday following two violent shootings that occurred during the school’s homecoming weekend.

The violence, which took place on Saturday, left one person dead and three others injured, according to Spectrum News 1. The university had canceled all classes on Monday as the community processed the incidents.

While the university confirmed that neither the man charged with murder nor the deceased individual were students, the impact on campus life remains heavy. Mekhi Cofield, a senior at WSSU, noted a visible shift in the atmosphere as students began returning to their studies.

1 dead, 3 others injured in shootings during Winston-Salem State University homecoming weekend — WRAL

“I felt like the classroom felt a little empty today,” said Mekhi Cofield, a WSSU senior.

Cofield observed that even among those who did attend class, the sense of normalcy had not yet returned. “I know from my class in particular, not everybody showed up,” Cofield told Spectrum News 1. “For the people that did show up, they weren’t even fully in it, I guess.”

Violence during homecoming weekend

The incidents occurred within thirty minutes of each other on Saturday, according to HBCU News. One shooting resulted in the death of Peyton Patterson and the injury of one woman, while a second shooting left two people injured.

WSSU Students Return to Classes Following Fatal Weekend Shootings — Photo: hbcunews.com

Investigators identified the location of the fatal altercation as the area behind Gleason-Hairston Terrace Hall. Authorities say a fight broke out there on Saturday night, leading 20-year-old Ziyaire Spinks to pull a gun and shoot Patterson. Spinks has been charged with murder, Spectrum News 1 reported.

The campus experienced a four-hour lockdown during the violence, and officials had ordered students living off-campus to stay away from the area, HBCU News reported.

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In response to the tragedy, WSSU Chancellor Bonita Brown issued a statement to the campus community on Monday. She encouraged students to support one another as they move forward.

“… As we return, let us continue to care for one another, honor those affected and draw strength from the compassion that defines our Ramily. We are Ramily, and we will move forward together,” said Chancellor Brown.

Community support and calls for security

The tragedy has prompted a wave of condolences from the broader North Carolina higher education community. Leaders from several institutions reached out to express solidarity with the WSSU campus.

Latest updates on Winston-Salem State University Shootings — WXII 12 News

Peter Rodriguez, President of Wake Forest University, issued a statement of condolence to the grieving community. Similarly, Dr. Karrie G. Dixon, Chancellor of North Carolina Central University, offered support to the university during this “challenging time,” HBCU News reported.

Elizabeth City State University also released a statement, telling the WSSU community, “Today, our hearts are with you, Rams. We are sending love and support from your Viking family.”

Winston-Salem State University students return to classes after two shootings on campus — WFMY News 2

Despite the external support, many students are focused on internal changes to campus safety. Tyreek Leach, a Winston-Salem native and WSSU senior, expressed a desire for increased protection for the student body.

“I feel like we should have security out here so we can protect our community out here on campus, especially the young kids out here,” Leach said, according to Spectrum News 1.

Winston-Salem State students react after homecoming shootings — WFMY News 2

Cofield echoed this sentiment, suggesting that students must be proactive in demanding improvements to their environment. “It’s up to us to put our best foot forward and present ourselves in the best manner that we possibly can, and we need to vocalize when we don’t like certain stuff,” Cofield told Spectrum News 1.

Winston-Salem State University is currently providing counseling services to both students and staff to assist with the aftermath of the weekend’s events.