Tragedy struck after a graduation ceremony at Huguenot High School when a graduate and their father were fatally shot outside Altria Theater.
In addition to the two fatalities, five other individuals sustained injuries during the incident.
Richmond police revealed in a press conference that officers stationed inside Altria Theater, who were responsible for security, reported hearing gunshots originating from outside around 5:15 p.m.
Subsequently, officers assigned to traffic detail discovered multiple victims at the scene.
Acting Police Chief Rick Edwards confirmed that a total of seven people were shot. Regrettably, an 18-year-old graduate and their 36-year-old father succumbed to their injuries.
A 31-year-old man is currently in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. Edwards also provided confirmation that four other males, aged 14, 42, 55, and 58, sustained injuries, but their conditions are expected to improve.
Aside from the individuals injured by gunfire, six others sustained injuries unrelated to the shooting incident. Among them, three individuals reported experiencing heightened anxiety and required transportation to the hospital, while two individuals were injured from falls.
Additionally, a 9-year-old child was struck by a car while fleeing the area. Fortunately, the child’s condition is expected to improve.
Police have apprehended a 19-year-old man whom they believe to be involved in the shooting, suspecting that he had some level of familiarity with at least one of the victims.
Richmond Public Schools confirmed that the shooting occurred outside the theater following Huguenot High School’s graduation ceremony in Monroe Park, which is adjacent to the theater. Consequently, the district has canceled Thomas Jefferson High School’s scheduled 7 p.m. graduation ceremony and intends to reschedule it at a later date.
In a message sent to families, it has been announced that all RPS schools will remain closed tomorrow, Wednesday, June 7, as a precautionary measure.
This decision has been made in the interest of ensuring safety. As the police investigation continues, traffic in the area will be affected, and the following roads will be temporarily closed:
Belvidere/Broad, Grace/Belvidere southbound, Lombardy/Franklin, Lombardy/Laurel, the 800 block W Franklin, Franklin/Laurel, Laurel/Cathedral, Cumberland/Pine, Floyd/Harrison and Cathedral/Harrison.
Huguenot High School graduate and his father killed following a graduation ceremony at Altria Theater