1 killed, 4 injured in shooting at hookah lounge near Virginia Tech: Police

One person was killed and four others injured in a shooting at a hookah lounge in Virginia late Friday, police said. 

The incident took place near Virginia Tech’s campus in downtown Blacksburg at the Melody Hookah Lounge. The details about what led to the shooting are not known so far. 

Out of the five people who were shot, one died and others were taken to local hospitals. Their conditions or the severity of their injuries, however, are not known yet, according to a report by Associated Press.

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Blacksburg Police had responded to a report of shots fired at the Melody Hookah Lounge in downtown Blacksburg, shortly before midnight at 11.53 PM ET. 

The authorities are yet to identify any of the deceased people. No arrest has been announced so far, the police said.

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CNN reported that one of the injured is a student at research university Virginia Tech. University President Tim Sands wrote in a statement, “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.”

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The shooting prompted a lockdown for several hours until 3.18 AM Saturday when the campus was finally deemed secure, the statement said. Virginia Tech had tweeted a warning informing people about the situation and had advised people to stay indoors and secure their doors.

“Multiple law enforcement agencies are assisting in the area and following up on leads,” police said in a news release, reported CNN.

Police have also asked people to share any information that could aid their investigation into the mass shooting.

(This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge)