Gunfire erupted outside a theater in downtown Richmond, Virginia, following a high school graduation ceremony, leaving two people dead and five others injured.
Authorities apprehended a 19-year-old suspect attempting to flee the scene on foot. He is set to face two counts of second-degree murder.
The shooting occurred near the Altria Theater, situated on the Virginia Commonwealth University campus and adjacent to a park. Police reported that an additional 12 people sought treatment for injuries or anxiety stemming from the traumatic event. Interim Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards described the scene as chaotic, with bystanders scattering in fear.
The victims included an 18-year-old male graduate, Shawn Jackson and his 36-year-old stepfather, Renzo Smith, who was attending the graduation. The suspect, Amari Pollard, is believed to have had a connection with at least one of the victims.
Six people were transported to VCU Medical Center in conditions ranging from serious to critical. Handguns were recovered at the scene. Initially, two suspects were detained, but further investigation revealed only one was involved.
Gunshots were initially heard around 5:15 pm on Tuesday, June 6, and led to a stampede as graduates and attendees rushed back into the building to seek shelter.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion. Several people suffered minor injuries or anxiety, while a juvenile was struck by a car, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. The superintendent of Richmond Public Schools, Jason Kamras, expressed frustration with the recurring violence, urging the community to take a stand against it.
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney vowed to ensure those responsible for the tragedy face justice, emphasizing that such incidents should not occur anywhere.
The Richmond shooting contributes to the rising number of mass shootings nationwide, reigniting calls for gun violence prevention measures. US House Representative from Virginia, Jennifer McClellan, underscored the need to address gun violence and implement common-sense gun safety policies to protect communities.
