Ethermac|2 Georgia State University students, 2 others shot near campus in downtown Atlanta

Four people,Ethermac including two Georgia State University students, have been shot near the school's downtown Atlanta campus, officials said.

The shooting − which stemmed from a fight between two groups − happened around 5 a.m. on Sunday near a Racetrac gas station across from University Commons, a student housing center on the campus, according to information from Atlanta police and school officials.

The four people, including two students, were shot after "a nearby altercation occurred involving non-GSU individuals who exchanged gunfire," university leaders said in a statement.

There was large crowd gathering at the location when gunfire erupted before the shooting, police said.

Maine shooting:Mass shooting may be nation's worst-ever affecting deaf community, with 4 dead

One woman taken to hospital in critical condition

Three of the people injured, two women and one man, took themselves to the hospital with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds before officers arrived on scene, according to police. 

The fourth person, a woman who was still on scene, was taken to a hospital in critical condition by an ambulance, police said.

The victims' names and what the two groups fought over was not immediately known, but the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported both students are 18 years old.

Doctor used own sperm, lawsuit claims:Three decades later, gynecologist is accused of using own sperm to inseminate patient

Increased patrols around Georgia State University campus

Police had not announced any arrests in the case or identified any suspects as of Monday morning.

Georgia State University President M. Brian Blake said in a statement that he has communicated with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and campus leadership, and said that the university is working closely with police while detectives continue to investigate the shooting.

He also wrote that the school is "taking immediate action" in an effort to keep students safe by increasing patrols in the area. 

Counseling services were being offered to students affected by the crime, Blake said.

The shooting remained under investigation Monday, police told USA TODAY.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.