Two people dead, multiple others sent to hospital after mass shooting in downtown Richmond

by: Delaney Murray

Posted: Jun 6, 2023 / 05:23 PM EDT

Updated: Jun 7, 2023 / 06:30 AM EDT

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Two people were killed, several others were injured and a 19-year-old is in custody following a shooting at Altria Theater that took place during Huguenot High School's graduation ceremony on Tuesday.

An 18-year-old male Huguenot High School student was one of the two people shot and killed on Tuesday. The other death was a 36-year-old man. Police have not released the names of the victims yet.

Five other people were shot. A 31-year-old person has life-threatening gunshot injuries. A 14-year-old male, a 32-year-old man, a 55-year-old man and a 58-year-old man all have non-life-threatening injuries

Several other people were injured or taken to the hospital in the aftermath of the shooting, including a nine-year-old girl who was hit by a car. She was treated for injuries and has since been released from the hospital.

Two people were injured after falling and three people self-transported to the hospital for anxiety.

Interim Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said during a Tuesday evening press conference that officers were working inside the Altria Theater during Huguenot High School's graduation around 5 p.m. ET when they reportedly heard gunfire outside the building.

Two suspects have been taken into custody, according to Richmond Police. One suspect was a 19-year-old male who police currently believe knew at least one of the victims. Police plan on charging this suspect with two counts of second-degree murder, with more potential charges to follow.

Another person was taken into custody who had a firearm, but police now believe that this person was not involved in the shooting.

Police are not looking for anyone else at this time and there is no longer a threat to the community.

8News sources are also reporting that four firearms were recovered on the scene.

"We’re going to do everything we can to bring the individuals involved in this to justice," Mayor Levar Stoney said at the news conference. "This should not be happening anywhere."

A witness told 8News they heard at least 30 shots fired.

"Everyone literally started running for their lives," the witness explained. She said she believes at least one of the people shot was a graduate.

Thomas Jefferson High School also had a graduation scheduled for later in the evening, but it has now been canceled.

All Richmond schools have been closed for Wednesday, June 7.

"This is supposed to be a joyous day when our kids walk the stage and get their diplomas, which is what they all did here today for Huguenot…and then this tragedy occurred," Richmond Public Schools superintendent Jason Kamras said. "I’m just tired of seeing people get shot, our kids get shot. I beg of the entire community to stop."

The following streets are closed until further notice:

This is a developing story. Stay with 8News for updates.