Police officers investigating the scene at Virginia Commonwealth University campus in Richmond, Va., on Tuesday. Photo: WWBT
Following a high school graduation celebration, hundreds of people in Richmond, Virginia, were outside when a teenage gunman opened fire, leaving two people dead and five others wounded, according to the city’s interim police chief.
More people were harmed while attempting to get away from the gunshots around Richmond’s Monroe Park, including a 9-year-old child who got hit by a car, Richmond Interim Police Chief Rick Edwards informed reporters Tuesday night.
Two people were initially held by the police, but one was later released. Police will file two counts of second-degree murder against the other, a 19-year-old who was detained Tuesday night and had four pistols and whom officers believe may have known one of the victims, Edwards said.
A 36-year-old guy who had attended the ceremony at a theatre outside the park on Tuesday and an 18-year-old student who graduated from school were both killed. They remained unidentified.
According to Matthew Stanley, a representative of Richmond Public Schools, the shooting took place at Monroe Park following Huguenot High School’s celebration in the Altria Theatre. The theatre is across the street from the park, which is located on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University.
In addition to the two people who were killed, five other people were shot, including a 14-year-old kid and four males who ranged in age from 31 to 58. According to Edwards, four of those hurt had non-life-threatening wounds. According to Edwards, the 9-year-old who was hit by a car was being treated for non-life-threatening wounds at a hospital on Tuesday night.
Just before 5:15 p.m. ET, three off-duty police officers who were on duty security at the ceremony heard gunfire outside. At an earlier press conference, the temporary police chief stated they radioed a call of shots fired, and more officers who were on traffic duty responded. When the suspect tried to leave the area, VCU police chased after him and arrested him.
Is there no longer anything sacred? Is there anything still sacred? Levar M. Stoney, the mayor of Richmond, remarked at the initial press conference. Whoever was responsible will be brought to justice, the mayor vowed, “not just for the families involved, but for the city.”
Stanley added that because of the cancellation of the Huguenot High School event, another high school graduation celebration was set for the theatre. According to the school system’s website, graduation ceremonies for three schools were set for Tuesday at Altria Theatre.
Officers from numerous law enforcement were seen investigating the scene. Image source: WWBT
President of Virginia Commonwealth Michael Rao tweeted on Tuesday night: “Graduations should be occasions for joy and celebration. The shooting today is shocking and heartbreaking.”
Jason Kamras, superintendent of Richmond Public Schools, claimed that the graduation ceremony had been completed and that graduates were outside taking pictures with their families when the shooting occurred.
According to Edwards, there were hundreds of people in the park at the time. Kamras said, “I don’t have any more words about this. “I’m simply sick of hearing about people getting shot, especially our kids. And I implore everyone in the community to stop.”
