A shooting incident at a graduation ceremony in Virginia has resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals, with five others sustaining injuries.
The incident occurred outside the Altria Theater in Richmond on Tuesday evening, causing panic among the attendees, many of whom were wearing graduation gowns. Police Chief of the city described the scene as chaotic, with people scattering in fear.
A 19-year-old suspect attempted to flee the scene on foot but was subsequently apprehended. Police have indicated that he will face charges of at least two counts of second-degree murder.
The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, is believed to have had a connection with at least one of the victims. Law enforcement officials managed to make the arrest without resorting to the use of firearms, and multiple guns were recovered from the scene.
We grieve for the victims and the families who lost loved ones tonight. I'm also ANGRY. I'm angry that families attending a graduation celebration can't do so safely. When do we say Enough is enough and lock up the criminals responsible for terrorizing our communities? pic.twitter.com/4NrAZVE53u
— Lt. Governor of Virginia – Winsome Earle-Sears (@WinsomeSears) June 7, 2023
While the identities of the victims have not been released, it has been disclosed that the deceased include an 18-year-old male who was part of the graduating class and his 36-year-old father.
Additionally, a 31-year-old individual sustained life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition, while four males aged 14, 32, 55, and 58 suffered injuries but are currently in stable condition.
The shooting took place in Monroe Park, which is situated directly across from the theater.
The incident occurred shortly after the graduation ceremony for Huguenot High School had concluded at approximately 5:15 PM (21:15 GMT). As families and graduates were leaving the venue, gunshots rang out, causing a rush of people seeking safety.
Some individuals were seen carrying young children and babies, while others sought refuge in nearby buildings. Emotional reunions and tears were shared among the graduates following the distressing attack.
🚨#BREAKING: Mass shooting at Virginia Commonwealth University's during high school graduation ceremony⁰
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) June 6, 2023
📌#Richmond | #Virginia
Currently multiple law enforcements are on scene of a mass shooting that took place during a high school graduation ceremony in Monroe Park on the… pic.twitter.com/18sEoB973z
As well as those who were shot, police said another 12 people were injured in the rush or treated for anxiety due to the chaos.
“This should have been a safe space. People should have felt safe at a graduation,” Interim Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said at a news conference.
“It’s just incredibly tragic that someone decided to bring a gun to this incident and rain terror on our community,” he said.
Superintendent of Richmond Public Schools Jason Kamras said the attack occurred on what was “supposed to be a joyous day when our kids walk the stage and get their diploma”.
“I don’t have any more words on this, I’m tired of seeing people get shot, our kids get shot and I beg the entire community to stop,” he said.