A high school graduation ceremony in Richmond, Virginia turned into a scene of tragedy when a shooting took place outside the Atria Theater. Two individuals lost their lives, while five others sustained injuries during the incident, causing panic among students in graduation gowns who scrambled for safety.
The shooting occurred during a ceremony for Huguenot High School, prompting the postponement of another graduation scheduled for Tuesday and the cancellation of all classes on Wednesday.
Authorities have identified the victims as an 18-year-old man, who was part of the graduating class, and his 36-year-old father. Their identities have not been released by the police.
Interim Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards announced that a 19-year-old suspect has been taken into custody. The police believe that the suspect had a connection to at least one of the victims. Another person initially detained and found armed with a handgun is now believed to be unrelated to the attack.
The shooting occurred at Monroe Park after the graduation ceremony had concluded at the nearby Virginia Commonwealth University campus. Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney expressed his dismay during a news conference, questioning the erosion of sanctity in society. He emphasized that a child should be able to attend their graduation, celebrate their accomplishments with loved ones, and not be subjected to such a “selfish act.”
Virginia Commonwealth University promptly alerted students about the incident, assuring them that there was no ongoing threat to the community. The university stated that police were present at Monroe Park to respond to the shooting.
Chief Edwards revealed that three off-duty officers were inside the theater, while seven more were stationed outside to manage traffic when the shots were fired. Authorities received reports of gunshots at approximately 5:13 PM local time. Alongside the five individuals injured by gunfire, two people suffered falls, and a nine-year-old girl was struck by a car during the chaotic scene.
Superintendent of Richmond Public Schools, Jason Kamras, expressed his profound sorrow, stating that the attack took place on what should have been a joyous day for students receiving their diplomas. He implored the community to come together and put an end to the senseless violence that continues to harm innocent lives.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing as Richmond mourns the loss of two lives and grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event.
