Winston-Salem State University shootings during homecoming weekend resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries on Saturday night in North Carolina. Authorities arrested 20-year-old Ziyaire Spinks following a fatal incident that left a 19-year-old man dead at the scene. At least two other individuals were injured in a separate shooting occurring less than an hour later. Police are currently investigating whether the two incidents are connected as they process evidence from the campus events. Local law enforcement has cordoned off the area near the student union to secure the crime scene.
Details of the fatal shooting and subsequent arrest
Ziyaire Spinks, 20, was arrested and is being held without bond following the first shooting incident on the Winston-Salem State University campus. According to Winston-Salem police, officers stationed on campus for homecoming festivities responded to reports of gunshots at approximately 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers located a 19-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite efforts to render medical aid, the young man died at the scene. A 22-year-old woman was also identified as having sustained what appeared to be a gunshot wound; she was transported to a hospital for treatment and has since been released.
Assistant Chief Jason Swaim stated during a news conference that the investigation into the fatality led to the arrest of Spinks. The suspect faces several charges, including:
- Murder
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Possession of a firearm on educational property
Police officials confirmed that Spinks was not a student at Winston-Salem State University at the time of the incident. Preliminary findings suggest the shooting was precipitated by an argument between two groups of people.
A second shooting incident occurs on campus
A second shooting occurred on the university campus less than one hour after the initial gunfire was reported. While the first incident resulted in a death and one hospitalisation, the second incident involved two individuals who were injured when gunfire erupted following an altercation.
Status of the second investigation
As of Sunday, November 8, 2026, authorities have not made any arrests related to the second shooting. Winston-Salem police are working to identify the individuals involved and the circumstances surrounding the altercation. A primary focus for investigators is determining if there is any direct connection between the first fatal shooting and the subsequent gunfire that injured two more people.
The proximity in time between the two events has added complexity to the ongoing investigation. Police have not yet confirmed if the groups involved in the two separate altercations were related or if the second incident was a reaction to the first.
Law enforcement response and official statements
Winston-Salem Police Chief William Penn, Jr. has vowed that the department will identify all individuals responsible for the violence that occurred during the homecoming weekend. During a news conference, Penn emphasized the importance of accurate attribution in the investigation.
“It’s important that the blame of these tragic events go to the right people and that’s the folks who committed these acts,”stated Chief William Penn, Jr.
The Chief also requested that the public refrain from pointing fingers or making accusations while the official investigation remains ongoing. Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough, Jr. joined the call for community unity, stating that the community is currently in need of prayer and collective support.
University administration and campus safety measures
Chancellor Bonita J. Brown described the shootings as "senseless violence" and addressed the impact on the university community. Following the violence, university officials made the decision to cancel all remaining homecoming activities scheduled for Sunday, November 8.
In place of the festivities, a local church planned to lead a call for prayers to support the Winston-Salem community. The university has also implemented several support and security measures in response to the crisis:
| Measure Type | Action Taken |
|---|---|
| Campus Security | Additional law enforcement presence maintained on campus |
| Student Support | Counseling services offered to all students and faculty |
| Event Status | Cancellation of all remaining homecoming activities |
Chancellor Brown provided assurances to students, faculty, and parents that the campus remains secure. She noted that the administration recognizes the significant anxiety and concern these events have caused among families and the broader community. "We take our responsibility for campus safety seriously," Brown said in a statement.
Impact on the homecoming weekend community
The homecoming celebrations, intended to foster community and school spirit, were interrupted by the dual shooting incidents. On social media, community members have expressed condolences and called for prayers for the victims and their families.
The investigation continues as police gather more evidence from the campus. The shift from celebration to mourning has left the university community in a state of heightened vigilance as law enforcement works to resolve the two separate cases of violence.