2 Killed, 5 Others Shot During Richmond School Graduation
Richmond VA June 7, 2023 Two men were killed and five other people were hurt in a shooting outside a high school graduation ceremony in Virginia on Tuesday, according to authorities.
The Richmond Police Department said a 19-year-old was arrested in connection to the shooting and charged with second-degree murder.
Police said the suspect is believed to have known at least one of the people who was shot.
The identities of the people who were killed were not immediately released but police said one was 18 years old and the other was 36 years old.
We’re going to do everything we can to bring the individuals involved in this to justice,” Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney said at a news conference. “This should not be happening anywhere.”
In an online statement, Richmond Public Schools said the shooting occurred after a ceremony for Huguenot High School. Police said shots rang out around 5:15 p.m. EDT, sending people running from the scene.
People scattered and ran from the shooting scene as police arrive Tuesday, June 6, 2023, in Richmond, Va. Authorities in Richmond, Virginia, say seven people were shot following a high school graduation ceremony held at a downtown theater near Virginia Commonwealth University. Interim Police Chief Rick Edwards said at a news conference that two suspects were taken into custody after Tuesday’s shooting.
Richmond Public Schools was holding graduation ceremonies at the Altria Theater, which is near the park.
The statement noted that the Thomas Jefferson High School Class of 2023 graduation ceremony that was scheduled for Tuesday night has been canceled.
“The ceremony will be rescheduled and we will provide further updates soon,” according to the statement. “We apologize for any inconvenience to our graduates and their families.”
Richmond Public Schools later added that “all high school graduations this week have also been canceled. RPS will share further updates soon about rescheduling commencement ceremonies.”
All schools throughout the district will be closed Wednesday “out of an abundance of caution.”
“If you or your child needs to speak to a counselor, please call the ChildSavers Immediate Response Helpline at (804) 305-2420 or the Richmond Health Authority at (804) 819-4100,” the statement noted.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin addressed the shooting and shared his sentiments on social media.
“As we struggle to fully comprehend this tragedy, our hearts break for those whose lives were lost today,” the governor wrote on Facebook and Twitter. “Tonight, we grieve together for their classmates, our neighbors, and the whole Richmond community.”
He also said his “administration continues monitoring the terrible shooting in the heart of Richmond tonight. State law enforcement are fully supporting the Richmond Police Department as this investigation moves forward.”
