A gunman shot seven people, killing two of them, after a high school graduation ceremony in Richmond, Virginia, Tuesday.
The shooting took place outside the Altria Theater on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where the Huguenot High School graduation ceremonies were taking place, as per a VCU alert. The gunman tried to flee on foot but was later arrested by authorities.
Rick Edwards, interim police chief of the Richmond Police Department, said there were other injuries stemming from falls, and a 9-year-old girl was reportedly struck and injured by a car during the bedlam. In Edwards’ additional statement, the suspect is identified as a 19-year-old individual, who may face charges of “second-degree murder times two … with more potential charges to follow.” (RELATED: Police Release Frightening Video Of Nashville Shooter)
Vicinity of Altria Theater, Richmond, VA, where the shooting occurred. Screenshot courtesy of Google Maps.
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney described the incident as “tragic” and ‘”traumatic.” He asked, “Is nothing sacred any longer?” and pledged to do “everything we can to bring the individuals who are involved in this to justice” as “this should not be happening anywhere.”
It remains unclear what motivated the shooting, and whether the suspect was a student. However, Edwards suggested the suspect know one of the victims, CNN reported.
Meanwhile, a female minor was reportedly shot and injured earlier Tuesday in Henrico County, Virginia, and a woman was likewise injured Monday on Whitcomb Street, a mere 2.5 miles away from the Altria Theater in Richmond.